As someone who both enjoys complex mechanisms and puzzles I’ve started wondering if locksmithing might be something that I’d enjoy and even perhaps give me a new career option. How difficult is it to learn as a skill? Is there such thing as a hobbyist locksmith? Can you really learn to do it sufficiently from online or mail order schools?
Depending on where you are, possession of some locksmith tools are a felony if you’re not a certified locksmith. I would check if taking classes through these schools provide that kind of legal protection or if you need to be in training/employed by a locksmith.
Sure, I know that it’s a bad idea to be caught with a pick set and a bump key if you’re just some random guy, but I would hope that there’s some sort of accreditation that comes with the completion of a course that would be your proof of legitimacy.
I wasn’t thinking of the completion but during training. You would need the tools to practice with. I was concerned that the schools might not be acceptable to the legal system.
And it’s a totally valid point, the last thing that I’d want is to figure out my first deadbolt only to find myself tossed in the clink for my efforts. I’d bet that if you did a mail order course there would be a disclaimer about not leaving the house with them, and if you went to a school that they’d keep all the tools there for you to use so you don’t transport them.
I code automotive cylinders fairly regularly. The tools required are mininal. Power drill, small bench vise, a set of picks(to remove the tumblers from the cylinders) assorted screwdrivers. Nothing major, other than having replacement tumblers, springs, caps etc. Except for the key machine. We have 2. One is a manual duplicator, the other one that is computer based, able to use key codes to cut the keys. The manual one was about a thousand dollars, the computer one is a lease, about 300 dollars a month but includes any updates in the price. It uses different cartridges for different keys, I have seen similar machines used by general locksmiths. The manual cutter will cut pretty much and single or double side key that I’ve seen. It uses a clamp to hold the key and basically traces the key using a carbide wheel to cut it. For coding the cylinders, they make things that look like a credit card to measure the cuts of keys,which relates to the tumbler used. I was able to order kits that included these for a nominal fee. About 200 dollars that include tumblers and hardware for brand type cylinders. Replacement parts are available for the kits. Also a bench grinder with wire wheels is very useful, as when duplicating they noramlly need to brushed fairly well to account for they wear on both the key blank and the tumblers in the cylinder.
I don’t know what kind of locks you are talking about. I imagine having the spare parts, tumblers etc. would be something you could build over time. It seems like house cylinders don’t have that many types, so the investment shouldn’t be too bad. Automotive however is subject to the manufacturer.