4 Must Know Tips | Learn to be a Locksmith

[@kkaround]

When I wanted to started, I reached out to few local locksmiths, their answer was that they don't need help, even though I was willing to help for free. At the same time I find many experienced locksmith who are willing to help when I needed on social media forms. Great video again #LockBoss

[@azskyking6542]

I spent 20 years in low voltage security and found myself having to figure out hardware OJT. I had to learn how to prep doors and install electrified hardware by myself. I spent hours reading everything. When I started off actual Locksmithing, I had the same approach, but had to fund it myself. No one I worked for was willing to let me cross train. Reading books, buying supplies and tools as I could. Practicing. Then I took a massive pay cut so I could work as a part-time locksmith for a retirement community. I learned a lot by doing that. In the past couple of years I've been learning more from KZbin channels like CLK, SE Lock and Key, Locksny, and a few others. I've been to a couple of IML Expos and both Allegion and Assa Abloy online classes. A big obstacle I ran into when applying for work as a locksmith is that they only want me for low voltage security. Oh they'll hire me and pay me well but it's not what I want to do at this point in my career. So I'm in business for myself. I don't make much at this point but I've made it a year, I have a bigger shop and many more tools and parts. If this economy doesn't shut me down, I expect to be in business for quite a while. One thing I definitely know is that I still have a lot to learn. #Lockboss

[@295recs]

Hi, do you have a progress update?

[@DarkEmpathy187]

I was hired sight unseen from a different state with no experience ...... my boss took a gamble on me, and I gave him 110%. He wasn't a CML and whatever he didn't know, he was willing to find out and learn, and in turn bestowed that ideology onto me. One time we had gotten the contract to install deadbolts on the 300+ units in a particular building. I was about 6 mo. in and don't ever say you don't like doing something.....i.e. fresh install of deadbolts on metal doors. Because then he made me do the rest of them in the entire building, (about 135ish, no one could help, that was deemed "my job") until I didn't mind it anymore. (Not in a punishing way, but he saw I was apprehensive about doing those and by doing so many day in and day out I learned to be more proficient at them.) From then on, if I didn't care for a particular 'job'...... I kept my mouth shut, LoL

[@neilwilson8742]

Good points. It's always hard to share everything without the feeling that you're training your competition. Thanks PJ! #lockboss

[@kennethjohnson359]

I started 25 years ago and had a retired locksmith as a mentor I recommend this for new locksmiths # LOCKBOSS THANKS PJ

[@Rocketlockopener]

Instead of buying $1600 mail in locksmith course,could you imagine if you gave it to a locksmith and ride along with him And learn as you go.

[@geraldskinner63]

Don’t imagine..do! I did just that for about 6 months and learned 40 years of experience crammed into an 8 hr day of hands on.

[@Rocketlockopener]

@@geraldskinner63 hi Gerald I just Though it would be better than some crappy course where all you are left with a shitty key machine and no idea about locksmithing went up to a couple of locksmith until a made an offer to one he accepted and I ended up learning enough to open up my own business

[@javieraguilar894]

Great topic! I can definitely say that ride alongs help so much. That and adding in your own elbow grease to lose some of the beginners fear/intimidation goes a long way. Our shop didn't have someone who knew and understood customer service, so customers would walk away or just stop showing up. That's my unique skill that I presented. More people are showing up and I'm starting to see repeat customers. The numbers show it as well. But the biggest advice I can add is stay humble all the way through. #LockBoss

[@davidcox9983]

Whether you are new, or an old timer, there is always something new that you can learn. I've always considered myself a lifetime learner. And I am always happy to learn from the #Lockboss.

[@johnfalk6955]

When I started I took the Foley Belsaw Mail Order Class. I worked with that for a while. A few years later I was afforded the offer to take a Class, along with Others, put on by a Locksmithing Business out of Detroit. The Locksmith from Detroit not only gave us Other Options on how to accomplish things but also gave us a Locksmith Supply business to purchase better Equipment from. The Locksmith could also see those of us that were more adept at the Trade and show us more advanced options to learn. It was what really sparked me to continue in the Trade. This #Lockboss learned very well at the time the concepts offered.

[@bobbykendrick2426]

Very helpful information. I am trying to get on with a local locksmith company and they have very high standards for their employees. They want everyone to work as a team. No ME employees. They want you to continually learn new things instead of trying to keep you in the dark. Sounds like a good place to work. #Lockboss

[@davidturner6509]

There are lots of ways to learn. Here in NC we have a locksmith association with quite a few members. We meet quarterly and have continuing education classes along with just getting to know other locksmiths who have a wealth of knowledge and are willing to share it. We also have a trade show each February P.J. and I’m sure a lot of our members would be happy to see you and your crew there. #LockBoss

[@WiliamBennettwildarbennett]

One key that is so often overlooked, is HONOR your Mentor(s) with HONESTY. A person that will stake their company reputation, by taking you on as their tutelage, deserves the honesty, in your work habits, and hours that you labor. Remember it's not the hours on the paycheck, but rather the pride in knowing that, what you done was A Fair Days Work. I'm taking from experience. At 18 yr old I was getting $50 a week, plus room and board. Thank you #PJ for another great #LOCKBOSS LESSON.

[@odinslockllc]

Doesn’t hurt to do some research first before trying to get your foot in the door with a lock shop. At least learn some of the “basics” etc so they know your seriously interested in learning what they have to offer. Another thing I can’t say enough is you gotta be comfortable and fairly personable talking to strangers. Locksmithing is “customer service”. You don’t want to come off as really shy or grumpy. It’ll not only hurt your trainers business but it’ll stop you from growing as well. Great topic PJ! #lockboss

[@gustavoaltube3353]

Great advice and tips pj!!! Thank you #Lockboss By the way Conor have a killer time!!! Lol

[@daveaedion]

Being humble will go far everywhere in life. #Lockboss

[@veteranlockandkey6427]

Just got started this past week with your locksmith training program. Excited to learn more about the trade. #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Awesome-PJ

[@choadstool]

We’ve only been in the locksmithing industry for a little over a year, but live in an area where not many locksmiths exist. Hard to find anyone to bounce ideas off of, or anyone with the right attitude to ask questions to. We really rely heavily on the information that’s provided by CLK and guys like Wayne Winton. You guys are amazing and every time we’ve had a crazy order or something we don’t understand fully, CLK is always there with a helping hand. Thanks guys. #Lockboas

[@clksupplies]

Thank you 💙-PJ

[@tallprintz]

I’m trying to become a locksmith in the Philly area looking to hit the ground running or apprentice. One thing I haven’t found info on was what basic tools were a must.

[@clksupplies]

Thx for the suggestion -PJ

[@Matttkoda]

Great video and thank you, PJ. #LockBoss

[@keys.on.demand3085]

Thanks for the Video Pj and CLK Supplies Team. I am currently in this situation looking for a mentor. I just jumped in to the industry 2 years ago learning and researching on my off days and after my regular job trying to better the craft. I am so thankful for the lockboss community for all its support and hopefully soon i expand my knowledge in to the industry I'm always willing to listen and learn. - Los Angeles Area #Lockboss

[@LuckyStrike01]

Great tips as usual. I find that a lot of locksmiths want to help another learn. The internet has made it much more accessible to learn things you wouldn’t learn from a book or maybe even a mentor. On the flip side some guys won’t teach you anything even if you are willing to work free for a while. #LockBoss

[@steveschmidt7140]

I started by helping out the guys at the local lock shop, they were busy and losing business and I showed an interest in it so they started training me. #lockboss.

[@derekbroestler7687]

Being humble is a BIG one.. Know what you know, but accept that you might not know as much as you think you do. The shop I came up in was EXTEREMLY oldschool (over 130 continuous years of operation, same family), when I started there going on 20 years ago, and could be a meatgrinder for newbies who talked themselves up, or out of their rears, or who felt that any of the shopwork was "beneath them".... I've seen folks who came in claiming that it was "no big deal" to pick Medecos" get completely humbled by someone handing them one and saying "show me how you do it." One person thought cleaning and checking calibration on key machines was "beneath" them after a week. (we were running some OLD machines, as in cast in brass, so you had to watch them) same with taking out the trash, or even going to help move a safe.... NONE of these folks lasted very long... Also, just like any trade job, there are "shop tools" that anyone can use as long as they don't walk off,, but there's also "personal tools".... "borrowing" or even touching, someone's personal tools without asking, will NOT go over well EVER... When you first start, you keep your mouth and hands to yourself, keep your eyes and ears open, and watch and listen to how that particular shop works. . Look for any way you can help, even it you're just being a "third hand" when someone else is working.... Volunteer for ANYTHING you know you can do as often as you can (I once picked up my former boss' dry cleaning because it was on my way to work, but out of the way for him) and most importantly, admit when you don't know how to do something.... ASK.... and then LISTEN... In my experience, there's not a locksmith alive who won't talk a good newbie's ear off if they ask for help politely.... but if you shut them out when they're trying to explain something, and THEN you have to admit you didn't know as much as you thought you did and ask them to rescue you, expect more than an an earful of S***talking, and that news spreads in a shop.... So you're not just gonna hear it from THAT locksmith, you're gonna have to eat crow from everyone for a bit.

[@evilarchconservative2952]

Don't want to take out the trash. I don't want to know how you leave customer sites.

[@derekbroestler7687]

@@evilarchconservative2952 EXACTLY, I mean we're locksmiths, not electricians... lol.... But cleaning up in a full service lockshop is 100% important, if you're not sweeping up you're gonna be carrying brass shavings home with you and we all know those are NASTY metal splinters, especially for kids or pets... Same with calibrating key machines... This one guy actually said "That's not my job"..... Uh, yeah it is scooter, because if the machine's off we're gonna get a LOT of keys coming back.... and if you ever go into business for yourself you're gonna be SOL if you don't know how to check, calibrate, and repair a machine. I check my shop machines (a late 70's era HPC 1200, and an old 80's era Silca bravo, BOTH of which I got used, and BOTH were WAY off when I bought them, and hence I got them both DIRT cheap) every six months and my main portable duplicator (ILCO Unican mini) every two weeks or so.

[@josephleonard7880]

I have been a locksmith snice 2012, I was trained on the basics by a family friend who has been a locksmith since the 1980's and we are both always learning from each other things I have learned from others that he doesn't know and he still shows things that I don't know or I am sure of #lockboss

[@MrAmarillo8]

Good stuff, PJ! #AccessLockKeyLLC #HaulinBrass #LockBoss

[@tipsyturtle5284]

#1! It's an always rule! Be a #lockboss!

[@vernondollhopf3249]

Good show I have another locksmith that I can call anytime that I need advise or help and he calls me when he needs help. I main thing is help each other and don't be afraid to ask for help!

[@edkeel5007]

A lot of great info. # lockboss

[@edparadis1578]

Unfortunately I did not have a mentor, but fortunately have a very high mechanical ability. Probably 90% of my skills were earned on my own, and then when getting a job with institutional locksmith responsibilities, my employer did make training available through oem companies that gave me the more specific information that I needed. I don't understand why others who are obviously not competing with me are so resistant to helping others. I have not continued that practice. So after 37 years at it, I'm still learning myself. If they have questions, I'll assist where I can. Still learning how to #Lockboss...

[@mikefinley190]

you made some good points , this will help if you already have a locksmith business and want to join forces with another locksmith that may know something you want to know and you have some experience on something that he wants to know. Thanks PJ. #lockboss

[@robertsilvasy1365]

Thank you for the video PJ! Great advice for newbies! Of courst, I love the bloopers!! Do the PJ!! New #Lockboss merchandise possibly??? LOL! #Lockboss

[@NateGodin77]

I’ve learned invaluable information from the #lockboss community!

[@SamtheoriginalClassic]

Great head banging #lockboss inspiration! (Stressing words with headbanging)

[@bboykixx]

Lock Shops I find are the perfect training ground. run the counter for about a year before attempting to work in the field. also patience is a skill needed as a smith of any sort. if you don't have any you will have a miserable go at it. running the counter is a great way to get your feet wet and see if its right for you. nothing like having a simple rekey turn into surgery because you rushed shoving in the follower and the lock explodes on you *ugh*...... *sigh* lol

[@curley6531]

verry verry good video!! spot on thanks pj #lockboss

[@carllewis2207]

Great pointers PJ #Lockboss

[@phillip745]

I have been helping my wife's family locksmith business for about 3 years. The guys mentoring me have helped a lot. I took classes at convention for fundamental skills, but watching and asking questions has helped me grow my knowledge more than any class could. I feel like each of the guys sharing stories and tidbits of how to do a professional jobs is priceless. A day without learning something new is a day wasted. #Lockboss

[@Nicholaspont]

Good stuff. #Lockboss

[@lockmechanic]

Admittedly, I'm a noob. I would love to find a mentor, but I don't really know how to go about finding one. I've found that social media is a great resource, and I've reached out a few times in locksmith groups I've joined and received help/advice, but nothing would beat an in-person interaction/training. I plan on attending trainings here shortly and networking as much as possible, even if it means I have to travel a little bit. Hopefully, it'll jumpstart my journey into becoming a true #Lockboss...

[@Ariel-vx4qj]

Thank you for the great advices! #lockboss

[@bearsback5099]

Great info my friend. #Lockboss

[@hro789]

Thanks for the good advice #Lockboss

[@glnooner]

I love how eclectic your subject matter is. It is helpful to me as a new locksmith. Eastern Oklahoma #LockBoss

[@evilarchconservative2952]

Mentor's are #lockboss heroes.

[@justinpope1435]

Thanks for the help and ideas. Wish there was someone in my area I could learn from. Learned how to run heavy equipment by listening and watching older guys. #lockboss

[@thomasrucker662]

Many years ago my boss hired a friend of his. He would strut around the shop calling locksmithing Baby Work!! No matter how much we tried he just couldn't catch on. I suppose he was an adult and we were the babies. #Lockboss. Humble is best.

[@johntaylor3838]

Very useful content #Lockboss

[@Pyrolock]

Excellent synopsis of how to become a #lockboss Being "humble" is a path to a better life in any case.

[@bradleybenson13]

Thank you you these tips. It is greatly appreciated as someone trying to learn how to become a locksmith and subsequently finding locksmith work. I appreciate all the other locksmiths out there that are willing to teach and pass on the trade. #lockboss

[@TheDavila10458]

That was interesting. Great subject you brought up there. I agree on mentoring young student wishing to become locksmiths. Their the future. The past is willing to learn also. I am intrested in learning about locksmithing and have a lot of technical abilities. How would someone like me approach a locksmith and offer my assistance . Like myself I mean a senior semi retired. Is there an entry level for me or retirees like me. I love to "learn new things everyday". Thats my mantra to all the youth and my family members and friends. #lockboss

[@johnshelton6043]

PJ another great video. With my moving from the Detroit area to Alpena I am going to have to find someone to get me restarted. But these are great points to any career change or just starting out in a Career. Thanks again for great information. #LOCKBOSS

[@nelsonslocksmithservices8745]

I would love to share my knowledge but it would have to be someone who don't live on their phones i trained a couple of the new guys on the old company I worked for and they were constantly on their phone. The new generations coming up lives on them. But going through a mentorship program in my opinion is better than any class ypu can take. #Lockboss

[@NothingPicksLocks]

Great video PJ. You are absolutely correct in that everyone has something they can bring to the table and It's really important to recognize your strengths as well as your weaknesses and use both to your advantage. #LockBoss

[@brianogram5194]

Humility seems to be a dying art. Solid advice, thanks PJ. #Lockboss

[@cygnettax4931]

Thanks for the great tips PJ. Everyone needs a mentor #LockBoss

[@Chirael]

Really great tips for any new #lockboss - thanks for sharing these PJ 😊🙏

[@williamc2553]

Great points and has actually given me food for thought as I'm looking to bring someone on to help give me time off! #lockboss

[@SnakePicks]

Do the PJ 😂 awesome

[@ThePepeMartinezShow]

Great advice ! #lockboss

[@jamesestep76]

4 must know tips video. Thanks pj. James estep locksmith co #lockboss#lockboss

[@securetechlocksmithco.7383]

Nice info #Lockboss

[@lowellforbes3208]

It took me three years of searching while into locks sport to find a locksmith job that didn’t require at least a year of experience to get. Thanks to my new #lockboss to give me that opportunity

[@nemeiso]

I am going to try doing 4 keyless door locks a week as I am retired and going to do it part time, what can you advise me to help? edwin

[@51-FS]

Awesome video #lockboss

[@dougkimber21]

Great advise, it is actually true and has been very valuable to me with the friendships in this industry #lockboss

[@jeffhudgins9142]

At this particular time in my career, I’m not sure I have an opinion regarding this subject. #Lockboss

[@gkeyman565]

It sure helps to learn to be a #LockBoss from a #LockBoss, and yes listening is better than showing what you don't know. Have a great day

[@willardlocks]

Some very good tips PJ. #LockBoss

[@achriss42]

New to the trade #lockboss

[@fritzbookman7243]

Can you rekey a factory key With Kwkkset Key for master pining

[@joedavila8706]

I live in San antonio, tx and can't find someone to help me.

[@groverthetoecutter7874]

Lead by example #lockboss

[@pauleyedwin6056]

#Lockboss

[@locksmithandmore9679]

Its almost like magicians, they don't want to give away there secrets. But we tend to be a little secretive because of the security concerns. How's that go " With great power comes great responsibility" lol #Lockboss

[@gladysnwokeabia]

😮

[@alancorson5778]

I need to find a (mentor) or aprentes #lockboss

[@alancorson5778]

I have found out that I can't just go to any locksmith for mentoring. They've got to be certified to be a mentor here in Texas

[@sircampbell1249]

Over 40 + years....

[@phitsamaysomchanmavong1921]

😂😇✌🏽❤

[@bakoguy5330]

I didn’t sorry….

[@joeandgod1]

I only work on Suzukis, so take it or leave it, if you want to hire me CLKsupply

[@Orochii777]

#Lockboss