Locksmithing??

**oldsoldier** · 02-01-2011, 09:08 PM

So as I posted some time ago, economy is causing cuts and layoffs where I work and my run was cut and I can't re-bid until march so for all intents I am part time until then. o I was/am considering a different career. I have kind of kept thinking of locksmithing for several years. From what I have been able to find out it is not a physically hard job, there is always a need for it, it isn't a job that takes a major investment to get started in.

My question is are there any locksmiths here? Or does anyone here know one? friend family member? I've been thinking of that or maybe even gunsmithing/repair. The one thing I hesitate doing gun work is security reasons and cost. I can't see having a gun shop in my home/garage. But I don't see a issue with operating a locksmith business out of my home.

I ask because I know my friends here will give me good input/information even if it's just to tell me not to waste my time. Thanks all.

**JPGreco** · 02-01-2011, 10:31 PM

I'm not a locksmith, but as a carpenter, I've dealt with a few:

Starting up a locksmith business would not require a lot. Some skill and a few tools. However, the problem would be reputation. Just like every other business, you would need to assess the local market to determine if there is a need for your business. What kind of competition would you be facing and what kind of reputation does your competition have? In all businesses, its not the actual business that is difficult, but rather competing.

I would recommend a van with a company logo, so when you go to job sites, you look professional. Also, most locksmiths also offer services like key making and supply high end locks and safes (not the crap you buy in home depot).

As for gunsmithing, I don't know anything about it. I imagine its restoring and fixing guns. Again, its all about reputation.

**Winnie** · 02-02-2011, 09:23 AM

Sounds like a good idea OS. Something else you may consider is over here some Locksmiths have an agreement with local Leo's to open Cars they also advertise this service for the general public. I'm sure it could be quite a lucrative part of a business!

**Rick** · 02-02-2011, 09:54 AM

JP is right on the mark. You will need to perform a SWOT, Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats. You need to identify each of them with regard to you proposed business. You also need to complete a business plan even if you don't need to secure financing. A business plan will provide you with an objective view of the business and whether it's even viable.

http://www.sba.gov/category/navigati...rting-business

http://www.sba.gov/category/navigati...aging-business

Here's the outlook for safe crackers....I mean locksmiths.

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499094.htm#nat

**Old GI** · 02-02-2011, 12:44 PM

OS: Assuming that's a 5th SFGA flash, is it possible that you learned some these skills with them?

**oldsoldier** · 02-02-2011, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by Old GI

OS: Assuming that's a 5th SFGA flash, is it possible that you learned some these skills with them?

Old..... Yes to the flash, sort of to the second. I did learn some very basic lock pick skills in tne army. However like LEO's we pretty well just used the size 10 entry method.

**oldsoldier** · 02-02-2011, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Winnie

Sounds like a good idea OS. Something else you may consider is over here some Locksmiths have an agreement with local Leo's to open Cars they also advertise this service for the general public. I'm sure it could be quite a lucrative part of a business!

Same here to an extent. I know several of the local LEO's as well as some of the towing companies, currently we don't have a reliable locksmith who does service for companies like AAA so that is an option for work. Same with a couple people I know who own recovery businesses. We have a couple other locksmith companies here but the mainly do commercial work. So I think i can pick up enough work.

**Rick** · 02-02-2011, 02:14 PM

And many of the cellular companies have locked out services so that's an opportunity as well.

**JPGreco** · 02-02-2011, 05:27 PM

Damn, SWOT, i was trying and trying to remember that term... lol

OS, again, not sure of your skill level or the environment that you live in, but around here, locksmiths who are car experts are also very valuable. When a repo needs to get a car out of a parking garage the tow trucks can't get in, so the locksmith gets it.

Since you know people in undustries that would require the services of a locksmith, go speak with them and ask them how many times in the last 6 months have they needed a locksmith. This will give you an idea of the demand in the market.

**canid** · 02-03-2011, 04:44 AM

i'm not a lock-smith, but i know my way around them. locks have fascinated me since childhood, and i've had opportunity to save a good few people on locksmith bills.

**oldsoldier** · 02-03-2011, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by JPGreco

Damn, SWOT, i was trying and trying to remember that term... lol

OS, again, not sure of your skill level or the environment that you live in, but around here, locksmiths who are car experts are also very valuable. When a repo needs to get a car out of a parking garage the tow trucks can't get in, so the locksmith gets it.

Since you know people in undustries that would require the services of a locksmith, go speak with them and ask them how many times in the last 6 months have they needed a locksmith. This will give you an idea of the demand in the market.

Current skill level is about 2.5 on a 1-10 scale. However there is a local tech school that is going to offer a course in a couple of months. It covers lockpicking techniques, safe work, auto entry and ignition work, Some security system training, key making and Re-keying. It includes the standard "tools of the trade" including a basic key cutting machine.

I have met the basic requirements of the class which included a very indapth background check! For some reason I can't seem to understand crooks LIKE these kind of courses. Can't understand why though? LOL!!!

But seriouslly it's not your typical mail order course. It involves quit a bit of hands on training with experts in each area as well as test requirements to pass the course to be certified.

**JPGreco** · 02-03-2011, 09:57 PM

Eh, crooks are stupid if they sign up for a lock picking course anyway. All the info is available online. The sadder part is, the majority of homes use schlage, kwikset, or other home depot/lowes type of entry locks because they are cheap, which means they are also easy to pop open. Most security systems are easy to bypass as well as a criminal. It's actually harder for you to get in as a locksmith because you don't want to damage the lock or security system. I've gotten into several houses that we were locked out of with no or minimal visible damage and without trying to pick a lock (i don't know how to).

Actually, most crooks are stupid. The smart ones don't get caught.

For your situation, if the course is within your financial budget, I would go for it just because. It will open a door for you, teach you a valuable skill, and may set you on the path to a new career.

**Rick** · 02-04-2011, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by JP

I've gotten into several houses that we were locked out of with no or minimal visible damage and without trying to pick a lock

So......Are you confessing to burglary? Oh, don't worry about the sirens. They are going next door.

**hunter63** · 02-04-2011, 12:38 PM

I commend you for wanting to take control of your life and livelihood.
Just a couple of comments............

Hopefully the course isn't one of those " Make $5000 a week by taking our course!" deals.
With the economy still real slow, a lot of schools are pressing for new students....That's their business.
Their business is getting you to get student loans to pay form their school.

This is true with locksmiths, HVAC tech, auto tech, gunsmiths, paralegal,........ pick one.

As a person that had to re-invent myself after a company sell out and shut down, I chose HVAC as a profession.
This is a learned skill , but even graduating with a degree, I need to break into the industry, with high paying jobs being union, the rest being entry level, $8 buck an hour stuff.

Lucked out by going to work with/for a friend (networking is a valuable tool), and still had to serve an apprenticeship.
When they figured I would be gone as a student for 2 days every other week, with them paying for it, I was allowed to buy my card.

Any profession is tough to start in, and most all locksmiths are either retired from something else, or do it as a side line to a hardware store, or car dealer ship.

Before you pluck down your school money, talk to a couple of local guys and see if they have openings or could offer advice.

I was told I would never make it as my offical background wasn't mechinacal, more of a adminstrator.
And still love to drag out my journeymans card, LOL
I can be done.

**oldsoldier** · 02-04-2011, 04:42 PM

Hunter....... Guess i should clarify. The class is through a partnership school with the one my wife teaches at. So being a staff family member the tuition/tools/books, are free for me. The actual tuition I think is about, $1,800 So really all I am investing is my time. As I posted before, I have some options as to work even on my own. Basically I am considering doing it to start as a part-time basis around when I work at the bakery. Plus as a locksmith when we move from Evansville I can pretty much find work elsewhere. You have made some great points and I appreciate the feedback.

**hunter63** · 02-04-2011, 05:30 PM

Good luck to you, that sounds like a great deal.

Just trying to let you know what I came across.
Out tech school has a small engine repair class, thinking about it, as I'm sorta retired, and god knows I have a bunch of chain saws, weed wackers and such to practice on, LOL.

**Rick** · 02-04-2011, 07:05 PM

Wow! Free tuition? That's a heck of a deal. I'd suck up all I could get at that price. Good for you. There's nothing better than free knowledge.

**randyt** · 02-04-2011, 07:38 PM

I have my dads locksmith tools. Three key machines and a bunch of misc. It seems like a interesting trade. I'm fortunate that he taught me how to pick locks, use bump keys, impression keys along with some other nice skills (I'm not good at it) not that I have ever needed to use the skills. It is like any trade, some will make money, some will make a living and some will go broke. I think it depends on the individual more so than the trade.