Island Locks - Locksmith Courses - Lock Picking - Lock Opening - Locksmith Tools

I popped in to the largest Locksmith company in my area today. Just to introduce myself and touch base with the guys there. They've been established 38 years, so you'd think they'd be good for some advice. I asked one of the guys if he could make me up a tension tool for an Era Fortress, after seeing Jay fabricate one on his vids section. He said why would I even bother trying to pick it? Just drill the bolt and replace it with a union mortice lock.... I was a little bit shocked! He then went on to tell me how his company just drill everything apart from cabinet locks. I explained that, that wasn't really what I was about. I said that the person who trained me, (Jay) instilled in us that drilling really was a last resort and only to be done if the lock was faulty etc. I went on to say that surely non destructive entry was the way to go and that most customers were wise to Cowboy drilling and replacing after programs like Rogue Traders? He disagreed and said to just look at the size of his business. He said he charges a call out fee, then gets the job done quickest by drilling. I said I could probably pick a cylinder lock quicker than he could drill it, we then agreed to disagree.... I felt like telling him how could he call himself a Locksmith if he doesn't pick locks? So I left feeling quite dis-heartened really. I was hoping to make a contact and establish a bit of a working relationship, but he just couldn't see why I would do things the hard way? 

So, i'm now a bit confused? Why do I bother putting in the hours of practice, picking locks at home, when one of my biggest competitors in a nearby town is taking the easy route and it's obviously working for him.

Matt.

You put the hours of practice picking mate because you want to be a craftsman somebody who can say I have the skill to deserve the right to call myself a locksmith.

Keep doing what you are doing mate and dont be tempted to become a 'drill it kill it' lock butcher.

I can just imagine the guy you visited driving around with a big sign on his van saying ' have drill, will travel'

It's unfortunate but just another 'Locksmith' or not, who has fallen into the trap of drilling everything for that extra few £. This assuming of course that he could pick locks in the first place?

As Tony says, stick with what you are doing and you can then call yourself a true Locksmith.

Very interesting post. I have only once been asked to open a lock without damage, turned the job down as i could not do it (this was a 9 am call) i gave the customer the number of " trained locksmith" i phoned the customer at 7pm asking how the locksmith got on was told that he only phone back at 6 pm a total disgrace from a  locksmith. I would stick with the lock picking if you can pick a lock with hardplate it makes life a lot easier. Seen an advert for a locksmith, photo of a guy standing beside his locksmith sign written van what is he holding a drill

Matt f...keep practicing...and feeling those levers it takes skill to open deadlocks...and people who can pick mortice deadlocks....are worth every pound because only professionalism beats the cowboys....the look you get when you turn up with a small box and nothing else from your van...open the door...then walk back with the small box to you van is SO satisfying knowing you did not have to drill , but all you did was to pick the lock and slip the latch with no worries. so keep on doing the hours...its worth it.