What inspired you to work in the lock business?

[trogfield]

is this the right place to ask this?

for those who work in the lock business, what inspired you to work with locks, and at what point did you decide to do it professionally?

Is this kind of work one that turns into a Daily Grind, or is it personally rewarding?

[stratmando]

Was a hobby for 40 years, picking was handy for Repairing Access Control, Electric Gates, Security Systems, most anything with locks needing repairing quickly, as many Managers or Home owners can't find the keys, then lock back up when done. They don't want to pay me while I wait for them to find keys. I don't want to wait for nothing, actually pretty good for me, Only got License last couple of years, due to Way Over priced Locksmith moving into town. Mostly Lockouts, Rekeying, Making Keys to Locks with no keys, Like to preserve old locks, No Masterkeying, or Programming of Fobs. Not a daily grind for me. How about yourself?

[trogfield]

I'm currently a mechanical engineer student in California, but I'm looking into backup plans for if this doesn't work out. the extent of my experience is picking basic 5 pin locks and watching a lot of YouTube rekeying and picking videos.

[billdeserthills]

My Dad is a locksmith and even though I grew up in the field I had no interest in working with him. Instead I worked as a cook for about 10 years and back in 1990 Dad called and told me he planned to retire soon. I had despaired of ever making a decent living in the food service industry so I accepted his offer to do a bit of training with a view of taking over his business & in 1994 he finally did retire and I bought him out. I suppose my inspiration was the hope of someday making more than $10/hour, and by putting my trust in the lock industry I have easily overcome my former low pay. I am not rich by any means, but I make a good living and don't have to kill myself to accomplish that.

[cledry]

I was out of work. Just saw an advert in the paper (pre-internet) looking for an apprentice to learn the trade. It was close to my house. Before that I had never even considered it as a trade. I have been a locksmith for 35 or so years now.

[jeffmoss26]

It was a hobby that turned into a passion. Got burned out doing IT and sitting behind a desk. Now I do something different every day and I love it.

[AngryHatter]

I got a gig in a school system and someone found out I could open doors.
I am not a licensed locksmith, just a good handyman.

[billdeserthills]

I got a gig in a school system and someone found out I could open doors.
I am not a licensed locksmith, just a good handyman.

You have a driver's license don't ya?

[GWiens2001]

I got a gig in a school system and someone found out I could open doors.
I am not a licensed locksmith, just a good handyman.

You have a driver's license don't ya?

Nice one, Bill.

Gordon

[AngryHatter]

I got a gig in a school system and someone found out I could open doors.
I am not a licensed locksmith, just a good handyman.

You have a driver's license don't ya?

In California you need a license - $75 and a form to fill out.

[AngryHatter]

A locksmiths license to be clear

[billdeserthills]

I got a gig in a school system and someone found out I could open doors.
I am not a licensed locksmith, just a good handyman.

You have a driver's license don't ya?

In California you need a license - $75 and a form to fill out.

And all that wasted money hasn't stopped one locksmith scammer from ripping off their victims

[locksmithfreak]

The passion started in adolescence for me. Ever since then, I've had this passion and it just never stopped, and now I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

[mavor]

In California you need a license - $75 and a form to fill out.

It's actually $500 right now, plus you need to go through a live scan which is another ~$70.
I recently received my license and was unpleasantly surprised with recent huge price hike.

[billdeserthills]

In California you need a license - $75 and a form to fill out.

It's actually $500 right now, plus you need to go through a live scan which is another ~$70.
I recently received my license and was unpleasantly surprised with recent huge price hike.

Any idea how many scammer locksmiths the State has busted?