How much fun is Locksmithing?

...anyone? I mean, I know it's a cutthroat business, but this is just friendly chatter on an image board. Surely there are a few of us with an interest in locksmithing on here?

>>1163477
My cousin was a locksmith. He quit and became a blackjack dealer in vegas.

Rekeying most locks is easy.
Making copies of keys is easy.
Most lock picking is done with a pick gun.
I've been told that many locksmiths much prefer to drill out a lock because they can then sell the person a new lock on the spot.

Most locksmiths require you to show proof of residence before they let you in to a house. Besides a burglar isn't going to call a locksmith, he's going to donkey kick the door.

A few locksmiths work with safes. I know nothing about that aspect though as I've never known anyone who works with them.

>>1163477
Locksmith here, 8 years in the trade, and i still love it

granted there are some days that are boring.. changing the locks on a house for example, its just pull locks of door, take to van, rekey, refit, check operation, and invoice.

but there are other things that are very rewarding, electronic access control is definitely one of those things... there's a fair bit involved, but when you flip the switch at the end and everything just works, its a good feeling...

and one other thing.. i'll never get tired of going to someone who's been broken into and had keys stolen, changing all the locks for them on a sunday night at 10pm when they thought they wouldn't get anyone and being told 'thank you, my wife will sleep tonight' Maybe i'm just old fashioned, but thats what really does it for me about the job.. knowing i've been there in the worst 15 minutes of someones life, and made a difference

>>1163727
I have a relative that got bored too. He got into rekeying all modern cars with chip keys. Even Mercedes and BMW. He goes around small car lots and take care of their rekeying needs, and charge them less than taking the cars to a big dealership.

>>1163738
we do that too... i'm blessed/cursed with being a small town locksmith, so we don't specialise in any one field, but have to know everything from domestic locks to commercial to safes to electronic to auto...

lockie for over 15 years here.
I only do advanced auto stuff.
Its hard and expensive to get into. If you dont already have some background in electronics or auto mechanic skills you prob wouldnt make it in my field.

Residential/Commercial is a bit easier. Many larger companies around to hire and train you.

Whelp, I'm officially going on a week long training course in the next couple of months and will be praciticing and building tooks until then. Anyone got any advice for a guy just starting out? Things to look out for, tips and tricks, and things to be wary of?

It's quite intimidating, really.

>>1165278
Remember the clip :)

If its just residential/commercial locks its easy enough, no worries.

>>1165278
picking locks is easy at times, frustrating at others... do yourself a favour and grab a bunch of second hand locks from a builders disposal or something, and just pick them sitting on front of tv or whatever at night... you'll thank me later, trust me