Just got my Locksmithing Course today. :)

[sportsguy]

OK, so I'm pretty excited. Not being one to screw around without knowledge, I went in search of a reasonably priced locksmithing course 2 weeks ago.

Sure it's nice to pick up things here, chat with folks, etc., but I've learned if you're serious about something, take a course and learn the subject matter that way. Be it computer work, negotiation tactics, becoming a certified trainer, web developing, etc., classroom-style learning works to cover the basic theories.

So, I approached locksmithing in the same manner. I'm into this for more than the knowledge of picking locks. I want to know more about that AND how a locksmith does their job - who knows, maybe this will be a retirement job for me in a bunch of years...

So, I searched and searched and after much reading (course outlines, online sales pitches, this forum, etc.), I settled on Locksmith Video School's Basic Locksmith Course w/Certification on Video/CD-ROM.

It arrived this morning. A quick look in the box netted 8 CD-ROM's with everything I was expecting. Included is the exam, my receipt, instructions on the best way to approach the course (what to watch, which order, etc.), a complete list of all the basic inventory items you'd need to start up a business with (key blanks, lock sets, replacement cores, and other handy "up-sell" items like patio door lock sets, etc. - there's a ton of useful info here) - and a company in Nevada was kind enough to supply prices (in USD) on these items, too. This way you're not shooting in the dark trying to figure out what starting up will cost you. Some items or optional, and marked as such - nice touch.

The gent you'll be chatting with will most likely be Mike, should you get this course yourself. Mike was great to chat with, helpful and seemed honest. (How the heck can you really tell over the phone, the first time you speak with someone...?) The only proof I have is the shiping info was accurate and the package arrived bang on schedule - Mike took care of me - that's good enough for me. Helps that he took time to chat before I even gave him my credit card info.

He also offers up dedicated phone support to anyone who's paid to take the course.

Now, since there's no certifying course in my area, distance ed was my only option. Why pay over $1000 CDN for a course and certification, when the basics are available through Mike? The course retails for $295 and I'm willing to bet the inventory info alone will prove valuable enough if you're starting a business to cut that cost in half.

Anyway, the course does NOT include any tools - that's a bit of a bummer, but I simply ordered my own gear through lockpickshop.com. I like the ability to pick my own tools anyway - training stuff (generally speaking & and knowing this from experience) does not usually stand the test of time.

Hope this is useful to folks out there.

I'll post up more thoughts when I review the videos and get into the meat of things over the next few weeks.

What I will not be doing is sharing the details of the course - Mike's making a living with this stuff, so I won't "copy & paste" stuff on him.

[TypicalNuser]

Would you mind sharing in the course outline and layout of the subject matter. I've also been looking at the Foley-Belsaw institute and wouldn't mind hearing more about the program you just started.

[sportsguy]

Rather than me re-invent the wheel, check out the info at the link below:

http://www.locksmithvideoschool.com/product15.html

I can say, after reviewing half of the CD-ROM's that the course progresses at a reasonable pace, provided you understand some of the basic terminology. If you're fresh off the bus and don't know the difference between a lock and a key, best do some reading through places like this before diving in or you won't be able to follow the info - he is a locksmith and uses the correct terminology in describing things.

One nice thing is the vids take the time to examine the topic in detail - zooming in to show details or reinforce a point, etc.

After reviewing the exam, I can also say that you actually have to pay attention to learn things in order to answer the questions. The exam is not a transcription of the videos where you simply fill in the blanks.

Mike has been great to deal with and the shipping was prompt.

HTH

[Chrispy]

Dang, your course sounds a lot better than mine....

[TypicalNuser]

Appreciate the link (I thought the sample video looked familiar), I remember seeing the “Locksmith Video School” on EBay.

Looking forward to hearing on your progress.

[sportsguy]

Just went through the "Art of Impressioning" video on Friday evening. Great video that very clearly explains the concept and Mike is careful to explain small details like how and why he filed in the direction he did, what to watch for, ghosting, etc.

Cannot recall what's on tap for this evening, but so far pretty much every video has hugged the 30 minute mark, so they're easy to sit through and focused on one subject only, so you learn what you need to without jumping around.

I'm almost done my first run through everything - next up is round 2 with a checklist in hand, then the exam.

[sportsguy]

Tonight I should be able to get to the next CD-ROM:

Safes & Combination Changing, IIRC.

Only a few left and I'll be able to move onto step two.

I honest figured I'd have gone through them all ages ago, completed the exam, etc. by now. But, life being what it is, such has not been the case.

Hopefully over this coming long weekend I'll be able to get through the rest of the CDs and start the real work...and practicing some new skills.

Oh yeah, went to a local hardware place today - big, local chain. Noticed they were selling NHL logoed key-blanks for $4.99 CDN...ouch.

[Chrispy]

That lesson sounds interesting.... wish I was doing that course.... *mutters under breath*

Right now I'm on the Key Cutting Machine module.

[sportsguy]

That lesson sounds interesting.... wish I was doing that course.... *mutters under breath*

Right now I'm on the Key Cutting Machine module.

By far my favorite section of the course yet - Safe Combination Changing.

I had no idea before this how simple the design of the average combination lock is.

Great session - this is one I know I'll watch a few more times. Pace was good, Mike covered the finer details and made sure everything he was referencing was clearly shown on the video. Covered key-change combos and hand-change combos - the hand change design is so simple you have to appreciate it.

Nice touch, though somewhat out of place, IMO, was the first 15 minutes of this CD was dedicated to covering some basic business ideas - what to do to help yourself, how to prepare yourself, make sure you're ready to go, make sure you have inventory - the basics of Business 101.

Some folks won't need it, but Mike brought up a good point - some folks are great with the technical side, but lack sound business accumen. Others are business savvy, but not very technicaly proficient.

The bottom line is both can be successful if they plan carefully.

Good tips, though basic, IMO (but I grew up in family a family run business, took a business progrm in university and now work for another family owned business, so...).

Started in on the first of the two Master Keying CD's last night, too - I suspect I'm going to have to really pay attention to this one...or get lost quickly the first couple of times...LOL

Be back after Master Keying #1 is done.

[sportsguy]

I forgot to say this - if anyone reads this and decides to purchase this course, let Mike know about this post/discussion and my recommendations - my name is Duane.

He might want to use some of it for a testimonial.

Not to mention, it's always nice to spread the love when you've found something worthwhile.

[sportsguy]

Well, just got through with the last two CD-ROMs. Both dealt with developing a master keying system for a ficticous business.

Thank the Lord there's software available for this!

I'm sure with experience it's a no brainer, but to noobs, it's mighty intimidating.

Coverage included talking with the client to understand their needs, offering helpful suggestions (both to engender confidence in your abilities and make your future work easier), planning and printing out the needs list (which offices, where, how many keys, etc.) and developing "coding cards" to represent each key and it's place in the hiarchy - used when you go to cut the keys - it includes codes for the bottom pins and master pins, plus some other useful details.

The step of actually cutting the keys was skipped, but we already covered it in a previous session, so that makes sense.

Next up was pinning the actual cores to fit the cut keys. Also covered here was what to do if you're simply handed a master with no code lists, how to decode the master key & lock to come up with your desired results, etc.

Finally there was coverage of re-pinning a Schlage IC Core lock - this was different as it was a seven pin lock core and requires a control key to be removed - nice touch was tips on how to make a control key should they only have a master available.

Overall, kinda confusing, but that's due to inexperience with the subject matter, rather than the course. I'm sure when I go through the CD-ROM a couple more times, it'll understand the theory a whole lot better.

One thing to note - I did notice a few errors - missing a pin # here, writing an incorrect pin # in one example - just a couple little things like that. I actually found it interesting to note my reaction - had I not been paying attention, I never would have noticed these small erorrs. In the real world they would result in keys not working in locks, but for the sake of the training video, it's fine.

So, there we have it. Next step is to, according to the instructions, watch all the videos again, with the supplied inventory list in hand, and make note of where each item on the inventory list gets used/referenced in the videos - great way to become familiar with what WILL be used/needed, I think.

...thankfully this inventory list includes a rough price guide from a supplier in Nevada (not a big use to me here in Canada, but it's a starting point). This is a great tool for aspiring locksmiths to begin gauging start-up costs from.

No sense advertising the business and taking work only to learn it's $500 for a particular item...and you can't do the work without it. Thankfully there seems to be a commonality in that there are only a few brands of locks used in the majority of usual applications throughout North America - this should make it easy to start with a basic inventory and grow into the other items as jobs provide funds.

I hope folks find this thread useful if they're trying to decide on a course.

I've never done this before (locksmithing), but I'm confident that with these videos and some practice, I'd be able to deliver the goods on pretty much any job. The real key is to make sure you understand your limits and stay within them if you open a business.

[fixer]

By far my favorite section of the course yet - Safe Combination Changing.

I had no idea before this how simple the design of the average combination lock is.

Great session - this is one I know I'll watch a few more times. Pace was good, Mike covered the finer details and made sure everything he was referencing was clearly shown on the video. Covered key-change combos and hand-change combos - the hand change design is so simple you have to appreciate it.

One very important rule in changing safe combos.

DON'T SHUT THE DOOR TILL YOU HAVE TESTED THE COMBO 3 TIMES AND GOT THE CUSTOMER TO TEST IT AT LEAST ONCE.

They tell you about forbidden zones, but not usually this simple rule

[sportsguy]

One very important rule in changing safe combos.

DON'T SHUT THE DOOR TILL YOU HAVE TESTED THE COMBO 3 TIMES AND GOT THE CUSTOMER TO TEST IT AT LEAST ONCE.

They tell you about forbidden zones, but not usually this simple rule

This was brought up three times during the video and emphasis put on a similar pattern that you describe - you test it three times, the client tests it twice.

One note to add, generally:

Mike is careful to share tips on things you should, as the locksmith, keep to yourself. Information, items and instructions - you truly see that he's sharing his learning experiences of thirty years with you.

Great example in master keying is to not keep lists of your clients master systems in your van/vehicle with the clients names on them - use a numbering system and store the info somewhere else - you DON'T want to be the one who led theives into a clients business, master key in hand...

Like I said - this is a great course - you don't get tools, or key machines, but you do get real-world knowledge and the benefit of someone else's learn curve.

[yippeegollies]

I haven't heard of this one, but it sounds very comprehensive. I know some people who have taken the Foley-Belsaw and Locksmithing Institute courses. They are both excellent courses. But, as you point out, they include tools, key machines etc... and are a lot more expensive.

Keep us posted as to your progress and also how much you end up investing in tools, key machine, blanks etc....

I know that FB and LI do not provide the most expensive tools and materials with their courses. (they are adequate) So you might spend a similar amount of money BUT end up with a higher quality of tools and equipment.

Yip

[motorhead]

I have seen the videos, read through a used Foley Belsaw course I bought on ebay, and taken two semesters of Locksmithing at a local school. By far the best way to learn locksmithing is in the classroom along with a book that the classroom instruction follows. There are not alot of locksmithing books available and we were not assigned one to go along with classroom instruction, which is why I bought the used Foley Belsaw course. The videos were loaned to me, so I got to watch quite a few of them before returning them to the owner.

The Locksmithing videos were ok, but I would hate to rely solely on the videos. The videos left out alot of details and they dont require you to do the necessary work to really learn the material. If I had to choose between Foley Belsaw, Classroom Instruction and a video course, i would definately choose Classroom Instruction with Foley Belsaw coming it a close 2nd. You just cant beat having a teacher in front of you to show you how something is done and watch over your shoulder to point out your mistakes. If you live in an area where you cant attend a class, than definately choose Foley Belsaw, because the course makes you do projects for each section and this is where you really learn the material and the content is explained well and easy to understand.