Well, I'm finally biting the bullet.

[Eschatos]

Hello everyone,

After just a few months of learning the trade, I've decided to bite the bullet and send my tuition payment to Foley-Belsaw. When I first started learning the basics about lock anatomy and how to bypass them, I read the 17 page long post about the F-B school. At the time, it seemed interesting, but I wasn't about to invest that amount of money into something I wasn't even sure if I was good at yet. But, last night, after I had begun compiling all the information I had on the subject (Yes, I have a file box divided into very neat categories, with lock brands, lock types, various guides, etc.), I ran across the post again.

Now, after all, I had originally taken up the practice of locksmithing as an incentive for my local police department to hire ME over some other random Joe. Foley-Belsaw can teach me the absolutely necessary skills needed to strive in the business. For example, I could never learn key impressioning and master keying from just picking padlocks in my dormitory. I think this is a great opportunity to jumpstart a career in law enforcement/ security analysis and such.

Well, wish me luck everybody! Hopefully soon enough I'll have both a college degree and a diploma from Foley-Belsaw!

[Romstar]

These are the sorts of posts I love to see.

Good luck with the course, and we'll be here if you have any questions.

Romstar

[Wesson357]

Foley Belsaw certainly is an impressive school. They are very easy to deal with.

[bigbike]

I too just started at F-B. I think it offers the most bang for the buck. I have gotten my first 15 lessons so far (I paid in full) along with some tools and have impressioned my first key (not very well, cause the file they sent broke mid way thru) but I will call them on Monday and request another one! The first set of lessons (1-5) are ridiculously easy. The second set is a bit more challenging but still pretty easy.

I have also been inspired to go out to the local store and get some cheapie locks to take apart and look at, because in my opinion they do not send enough with the course and even though the pages and diagrams are nice nothing beats having an actual 3 d lock in your hand to study while reading.

I hope you also found the rather good size thread on F-B here. I have to admit that this site is probably the BEST when it comes to advice. I never dreamed there was so much info out there (and most of it would be impossible to find, without this site)!

[jason]

You'll find that if you have any questions on any weird and wonderful locks if any of us in the forum have dealt with them will usually be willing to help.

Good luck with the course and we look forward to trading info

[daremo23]

eschatos,
good luck mate with your course and future career choice as a LEO. made the plunge 6 years ago and work full time in Ohio. most of my actual bypass experience has been with cars and trucks etc. but have recently tried to learn this wonderful skill set. nothing is more satisfying than being able to get some elderly or other panicked resident into their homes with your skills and tools. have been able to get people into their homes with auto-lockout tools and now i have actual picks. can't wait to try on the job. better than breaking a window for em.
p.s. anything you can add to your application will make a difference to prove your value to the department over the next guy. also if you have the option of paying your own way through the academy before hired will increase your chances. good luck to you.