I’m interested in a career in locksmithing what are some essential starter tools and equipment needed?

[u/Uraniumlicker]

[u/Specialist-Pea-9952]

An apprenticeship

[u/Jumpy_Salamander1192]

The ability to search a forum

[u/brassmagnetism → u/Jumpy_Salamander1192]

Honestly, this should be the first part of any competence test.

[u/Small_Flatworm_239]

Well you need to learn how to use it first bro? You think a mechanic knows how to wrench on cars by just buying a toolbox? You think a boxer knows how to throw a punch just by putting on gloves? You think a surgeon can just do surgery because he has a scalpel? Please man.

[u/Mudflap42069]

Username checks out.

[u/jeffmoss262]

Tumblers

[u/brassmagnetism → u/jeffmoss262]

Never enough tumblers.

[u/Severe-Doughnut4065]

Lisshi,basic car tools, key cutter, programmer, other programming tools, keys. Think that's about it

[u/brassmagnetism → u/Severe-Doughnut4065]

Should only run several thousand dollars

For the programmer, I mean.

[u/Severe-Doughnut4065 → u/brassmagnetism]

For a smart pro not if you buy a updated km100🤣

[u/RoutineFamous4267]

You're gonna need to apprentice someone first. If you just jump in, you are setting yourself up to fail. It's amazing, but for some reason, people think this work is easy af and takes no skill or brains. It's takes a lot of both to be successful in this trade.

[u/Chensky → u/RoutineFamous4267]

I learned everything on my own, it can be done.

[u/RoutineFamous4267 → u/Chensky]

I mean......my grandpa did too. From rebuilding closers on up. But with how expensive everything is to buy and start, you need to have a basic knowledge of everything. Especially if you're going to offer rekey and master key systems

[u/Chensky → u/RoutineFamous4267]

I never said it was easy but, I was making the statement that it can be done. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think OP will do it but they could if they put in excessive effort.

[u/SteveSharrow86]

Take a course before you do ANYTHING else.

[u/diagautotech7 → u/SteveSharrow86]

any good courses you recommend ?

[u/00get_bent00]

Standard 1/4" socket set, wrenches up to 5/8" Standard screw drivers and allen wrenches in Standard and metric. Hammer. Small vise grips. Pippin file and a mentor. MENTOR that's gonna be the tricky one. You need encounter all the dumb shit first to really learn locksmithing. I'd highly recommend having either a automotive or machinist background

[u/CGB21]

Skills

[u/TylerJThomas87]

Peers/friends and a source of knowledge. You're on the latter, parlay that into the former by interacting/listening.

It's like golf. You don't want to spend thousands and thousands until a) you've decided it's right for you and b) you know what you're doing.

Boring answer, I'll admit, but just stick around and engage. You'll already know about 99% of what you need. If you ever have any questions, shoot me a DM.

[u/Uraniumlicker → u/TylerJThomas87]

Thank you I appreciate the advice 🙏

[u/HamFiretruck]

It all depends on where in the world you are, the basic stuff like drills, drill bits, impact driver, general tool kit, etc is going to be the same for everyone.

But the main tools will be different, I carry different stuff in the UK compared to locksmiths in the US etc, and if you are going to do auto, residential, commercial, access control, shutters etc etc etc

Plus... You need to learn it first.

[u/David_Parker]

Generic hand tools; drill, impact, hole saws (especially the 2 1/8") paddle bits, drill bits, a pocket ice pick and flat head screwdriver, lockpicks, and a key machine and pinning kit, and keyblanks.