With the purchase of the Basic Program, or any package that includes Courses 1-8, you will also receive a list of suggested start-up tools and inventory, a $49 value. This helpful list can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Notes About Tools and Supplies:
Recommendation: Do not buy tools or supplies until you receive the tool list and have had a chance to watch a few of the videos. Then you will have a much better idea of what you need.
A few suppliers you may want to look at:
CLK Supplies .com
Lockmasters .com
Pro Lock .com
National Auto .com
LockPickWorld .com
SouthOrd .com
Lock Picks .com
Key Machines:
My videos feature HPC and Ilco key machines. When I first started in locksmithing those were two of the big suppliers. These two companies still make very good machines but today there are many more suppliers. You may want to visit a locksmith supplier and have them show you what is available. Another option is to attend a “Show” or “Expo” where a number of suppliers are showing their products.
The most important machine is a standard duplicator. The second most important is a machine that will allow cutting by code. Today, in time, you may need a “laser cut” machine for cutting high security keys, often referred to as “sidewinders”.
About pin kits:
Starting out it is best to get pin kit that will work with most major suppliers. Unless you know for sure that you are only going to service one type of lock. Industrial locksmiths often only work on one type, or one manufacturer of locks. General locksmiths require universal kits. As your business grows you can add specialty kits as needed.
About Files:
You will need a good file for key impressioning and cleaning up keys. The most popular are the round file and the pippin (tear-drop shape) file. You will also need additional files
Swiss pattern files were named for the Swiss inventor. They are most often used for fine shaping and finishing tasks. They are made of the finest heat-tempered, and chrome alloy steel. They deliver superior performance on nearly all metals. Files are measured in length from the point where the teeth begin to the end of the file. The handle section (tang) is not considered in the file length.
HPC (a well recognized brand) sells a set of files for impressioning and other key work. The set contains 6, 4 inch files with wooden handles. The precision-cut, number 2 medium files come in a convenient plastic case. The set includes: Round-Tapered, 3-Square Tapered, Square-Tapered, Rectangular Straight, Warding Tapered, Half Round Tapered. This is a nice set and for years I included it in a package of tools that I offered. It will work fine but know that many locksmiths prefer a six inch file for impressioning.
Hand tools:
You will need a good assortment of hand tools. You may already have many of them.
Power tools:
One of the most important tools for a locksmith is a good electric drill. Today there are many good suppliers of both plug-in and battery powered drills.
Following is a list of tools and a book that we did offer as a start-up tool kit. We are not currently offering the tool set as you can now find them on the internet.
1. 12 Piece Set — HPC Professional Pick set W/leather Case. The tools are made of hardened spring steel.
– Top Grain Leather Case with Snap
– 7 picks
– 3 tension tools
– 1 extractor
2. 6 Piece HPC File Set
– Round-Tapered
– 3-Square Tapered
– Square-Tapered
– Rectangular Straight
– Warding Tapered
– Half Round Tapered
3. HPC Pro. 4 in. Tweezers
4. Kwikset Multi Purpose Follower
5. Kwikset Cylinder Removal Tool.
6. Schlage Follower For F Cylinders
7. Lab 5 IN 1 Key Gauge
8. Shimming stock – 25pcs
9. LAB Rekeying Kit for Kwikset locks (Mini Dur-x)
10. Book — Locks and Locksmithing by Bill Phillips