Locksmith

[Shangri-laschild]

Has anyone here had any locksmith training? I'm trying to find out how long it usually takes, what kind of options there are out there and such. Our locksmith at the college is leaving and since I hand out the keys already, I'm going to doing his job as well as mine and have never had training before.

[skyspirit]

For learning, the easiest way is to get a small lockpick set and start trying. It doesn't take all that long to learn, even by yourself.

Legally, you'll probably want to be bonded, etc... I don't know the specifics, as it's different in every state, and since you work for a college there might be less involved. A good place to start is http://www.aloa.org/

Good luck!

[Balgram]

Uhm, I've never had training personally, but I know pick-a-lock.com has training videos and tools and such. Dunno where you'd go to get physical training though.

[kaetchen]

Has anyone here had any locksmith training? I'm trying to find out how long it usually takes, what kind of options there are out there and such. Our locksmith at the college is leaving and since I hand out the keys already, I'm going to doing his job as well as mine and have never had training before.

You mean making the keys, right? (just wondering)

[RetailWorkhorse]

The best thing about the internet is the anonymity!

Have not had formal lock-smith training.

Have had to "break-in" to my house several times (I use my DL and jimmy the lock or pop a window out).

Have broken into a locked room using a screwdriver (both on the inside and outside, the lock used to jam. Inside you just unscrew the screws, outside there was a hole in the knob).

Have also gotten into a room by tapping the hinge pins out with a hammer and thick nail (Screwdriver kept slipping).

Have not had the pleasure of re-keying anything. Nutz.

[Shangri-laschild]

For learning, the easiest way is to get a small lockpick set and start trying. It doesn't take all that long to learn, even by yourself.

Legally, you'll probably want to be bonded, etc... I don't know the specifics, as it's different in every state, and since you work for a college there might be less involved. A good place to start is http://www.aloa.org/

Good luck!

I'll take a look at that, thanks. I need to learn more about stuff like setting up a key system and such rather than being able to pick a lock.

You mean making the keys, right? (just wondering)

Making copies, setting up the key way systems, putting in the cores. Everything keywise that M did, I will be in charge of once he leaves in March (with limited training since he's trying to burn through his sick time.)

[Crosshair]

The best way I have found to pick locks is with a good selection of high grade cobalt-steel drill bits and an 18 volt drill.

If you want to be able to use the lock afterwards, most people I know who can pick locks were self taught. So that's all the input I can give.

[JambaBamba]

Use the yellow pages (old school, I know) or look online for lock smith companies in town or in the nearest big city. Call them up and say that you want to become a locksmith, what course of action do they suggest. Most people are usually helpful.