I am a self taught locksmith. I do have a locksmith friend that I met after becoming licensed. If your wanting to become a locksmith. Just dive in head first. You won’t regret it.
@@Cooly_Fooly I'm no locksmith, I'm in the same boots as yourself, but I believe what he means is to just dive in wherever. Learn whatever. There's no specific starting point, just learn now and put the information together later. Create a map of your abilities later. The only map there is is the one you create yourself. So basically, go buy a pick set and go buy some cheap locks. Learn how to pick them, then pick them as fast as possible. Gain SOME ability, become good at some locks. Then keep expanding on your knowledge. Learn how to rebuild them, learn the parts inside, learn the different configurations of locks without getting too exotic. Just start somewhere, you'll feel blind and deaf and useless but eventually you'll figure it out.
@@Cooly_Fooly Want my recommendation? Learn how the most common locks work. Learn to pick and decode them. Learn other methods of non-destructive entry (window bypasses, etc.). Learn everything you can about vehicles and methods of non-destructive entry - these will likely be your most frequent calls. Learn some woodworking so you can sort any problems you might run into when installing a lock - this will likely be one of your top 3 jobs; installing/replacing locks. Maybe not just in doors either but in cabinets, etc. Learn how to crack a myriad of safes - some person might have inherited one from a lost loved one and need access but not have the code written anywhere. LEARN EVERYTHING YOU CAN AND THEN SOME :D
In 1985 I received my NYC Locksmith and Keymaker license after attending the (now defunct) New York School of Locksmithing and Alarms, and was taught by Don O'Shall (now deceased) who has been considered an expert in the field of locksmithing, indeed writing several refeernce manuals. I went to the school out of mechanical curiosity, and never worked as a locksmith. I totally enjoyed the education I received!
I did the Foley- Belsaw course back in the 90’s. I’m in the KC area and there was a local Foley-Belsaw distributor/ warehouse where you could do a two week class onsite. Definitely not enough time to learn what it takes to start your own business but it gets your foot in the door. There’s so many YT channels now that imo offer more stuff than what the locksmith schools can teach you. I’d still recommend getting “certified” through a school or association though. I’m doing locksmithing as a side hustle now and will do it full time when I retire from factory life. Making sure you have the right tools to do the job and being your own “critic” (ie: do a clean and honest job and treat your customers right) are a couple of things I always say to new people. I used to do locksmithing in a manufacturing plant years ago. Great experience. Surprisingly I found residential to be harder. Thanks for sharing.
I see why this guy has ZERO Dislikes. I was interested in locksmithing and looked up youtube vids and came across this one.. Now im into my second semester of locksmith training at a local trade school. Thanks for the insight Bud. Liked and subscribed.
Sir, I appreciate you for taking the time out to comment. All the best on your studies and keep an eye out for a forthcoming update I now work for the Department of Corrections as a Locksmith and have a few interesting stories to share.
@@Hustle5 go to your local community college and ask about non credit courses.. If they dont have a locksmithing program, then make a few calls to your local locksmith shops and ask if they are willing to apprentice and train you in the field… If they see that you are eagar and willing to learn the trade,,then most places will hire you on as a shop guy making keys, and such..In my opinion, apprenticing at an actual shop will grant more experience once yiu are sent out on the road to tickets..
I got my certificate after 9 months at a trade program, and now working at Bowie state University, fixing dorm room hardware, changing old worn door closures, rekeying rim cylinders on panic bar assemblys, and being guided by a master locksmith showing me the ropes.. The money is not bad either, while doing what i love.. I hope your journey works out bud.. keep us posted.. Locksmiths are a brotherhood, and we all stick together.
I took the New Jersey Locksmith Institute correspondence course which was just like Foley-Belsaw in the early seventies. Still at it today. Great career
I already offer these services to people who know me. I don't have a key machine but I can get into about anything. I started by getting practice locks and learning to open those. I really enjoy the work and today I thought, why not start my own thing? Good video. Keep them coming!
I went to Charles Stuart school when it was in Brooklyn at the time. Leslie Pagson was my instructor more than 20 years ago. I'm still a locksmith today. Great trade
I currently work as a flight attendant, however, I would like to learn the trade of locksmithing. Too many layoffs taking place and I need a fall back trade! Thank You for the video. 👍🏽
Thank you this helped me! I am working in a locksmith company in Minnesota also in other areas if any tech or locksmith wants to work with us i will be grateful😊
I was a locksmith in the early 90s and loved the work. It was interesting and challenging. But my ex decided she wanted more child support from me and I couldn't afford to remain a locksmith because I was in the learning phase and only making $6 an hour. So I had to give it up to find a better paying job. Unfortunately I'm a truck driver now.
These courses give you good basic training. I started out with The Locksmith Institute from Little Falls NJ. in 1975. There were only the two mail order schools at that time plus the school in New York.
Thank you!!! I've looked at a few videos, and seen your thumbnail and seen NJCU on your jacket. I'm from Wilkinson and Ocean and stay in charlotte now. But you gave ma a good starting point so I can do more research. Be safe and keep going brother.
thanks for the video, I just graduated high school and was thinking about getting into this trade but I was unsure how. now I have a general idea, hopefully i can find some schools close to my area in Texas,
Thank you soo much, I was giving up thinking the only way is to get hired as a apprentice but in south Jersey I’m not seeing anything. Most places if not all want you to know it already but that’s still not enough they want references or paper that shows it. I’ll give online a shot. I’m just nervous that it won’t lead anywhere if it’s online.
In this day and age, more people than you might think have gotten their degree from an online institution. Foley Belsaw is to the Locksmith profession, what Harvard is to Law! Don't be nervous about online courses, just make sure it's an accredited institution first.
Bro i appreciate the information. I remember passing through Jersey City on my way to New York from Saint Louis. I must say Jersey City is very bad city. I prat that you do not come across junkies
Bro, there are junkies in all shapes and forms. Some hide their addiction better than others and some just dont give a flux lol I have experienced the desolate as well as the prominent parts of Jersey City and I miss it just a lil...
Penn Foster has a locksmith program... I like that it also says home security which is what I want to get into... But do you think I should avoid big name schools?
Great question. Compare the course offerings and decide what is best according to your specific budget. In my humble opinion, the particular school you choose to bet the basics does not need to break your pockets. Upon completion of your initial training, seek certification courses that compliment your locksmith training, such as low voltage electrician, alarm technician, safe opening, advanced lock manipulation and lock picking for example.
@@mykebill9402 Its just the basics. With the information thats available online now it may not be necessary. It will point you in the right direction and give you a starter machine if you don't have equipment though
As a teacher, I've been struggling for years to find a summer job. It's hard to find someone willing to train and hire you, only for you to then have to leave 6-8 weeks later. Is locksmithing flexible? And if you do an appenticeship, should you choose someone fairly far away from where you want to eventually work, so you don't steal their business?
Locksmithing is extremely flexible, as an independent you pretty much set your own schedule and availability. You can even secure master keying jobs for contractors where you work on the project in your own home on your own time. You can advertise you cut keys and entertain foot traffic or put your equipment in a car or van and drive around as you wish.
Just sub up and I got to say I'm interested in starting a second career doing locksmith, I want to see if I can enroll in a class course setting if not then I'll go the apprentice route. I know the time will very on how long it would take to grasp the trade but I'm curious if it's possible to learn in a year?
do you need to continually check every year on the new locks which are being created/designed? or do you just deal with them when it comes around to you with a customer?
Great Question. A good locksmith will keep up with the new devices and gadgets that hit the market , but pretty much if you've seen one you've seen them all and the new stuff usually complies with the industry standards as far as the cut outs on the door. Learning how to program them, or manipulate them in an emergency is what you need to prepare yourself for.
Hey Bud, thank you for the info. I sent you a message & it bounced back. Do you know of any OnLine video learning school that you can recommend? Many blessings
Is there a school near Louisiana or near the Southern region that I can look at? I currently work for a locksmith company and realized they've been jerking me around for nearly 8 years. Looking to get out on my own now.
a quick online search resulted in the following- eliteceu.com/shop/certification-courses/louisiana-locksmith-certification/ my suggestion is to obtain one of the certifications from step 4 of the following www.howtobecomealocksmith.org/how-to-become-a-locksmith-in-louisiana/ then apply for the license as an employee. I hope this helps.
Sir, that will depend on several factors. (1)Where you are located (2) Whether you work for someone or for yourself (3) how much time and effort you put into the career. I cannot spit out a number of the dome that fits every situation. What I can say is, If a mortise cylinder wholesales at $7, you offer your cylinder replacement services to someone charging up to $150. (Labor) + $7. (Part) + transportation cost.....
