How Easy is it to Become an Auto Locksmith?

Here in the U.S. it's very easy to learn locksmithing. There are home study courses available for not too much money; at least not much 20 years ago. You might even be able to learn from books on your own and from info on the internet. Working on automobiles usually involves making duplicate keys. If keys are lost, you need to know how to gain entry to a locked auto. Since no key is available, the locksmith has to replace the ignition /lock with one that has a key. The old lock can then be opened and re-keyed. Auto locks are generally not picked as it takes too long to do; hence expensive.

I'm not aware of anything in response to question no. 2.

"Also question 2 is it possible to gain entry into vehicles using electronics ?" Sure:

There are also some less destructive techniques: these are usually preferred by customers who actually own the autos.

As far as a locksmith education... there are a number of at home video education series. Is this what you are thinking, or attending hands-on classes?

And as with most educations, actual field experience is far and away the best education you can get. An apprentice position with a well established lock shop (which is operated by a well aged rather grumbly individual who has an intense dislike of incompetence) will serve you well.

Peter,

For obvious reasons, not the least being that I do not work in the automotive field, I cannot say how much time and effort it will take for any individual to become an accomplished locksmith. In my opinion, a locksmith must have above average dexterity to be able to manipulate the tiny mechanical parts that make up a lock tumbler. If you have this dexterity then I wish you the best in pursuing this noble career.

As far as being able to gain access to a vehicle using just electronics, well many vehicles today do come with remote access capability today. So authorized people are already regularly accessing these vehicles using just electronics. In theory somebody could examine the RF transmissions that a remote access transmitted and decrypt the information sent to allow for unauthorized access. But a public forum is not the place to discuss this.

How much would it cost?

Here is my equipment recommended initial equipment and stock list:

CNC type machine to cut standard type car keys by dimension 6,000.00

Bench Grinder 250.00

Drill Press 159.00

CNC type machine to cut side-milled "lasercut" keys 6,000.00

Scan Tool for programming keys 10,000.00

Transponder Chip Programmer 3,500.00

Chip Keys Inventory 6,000.00

Keyless Entry Remotes 4,000.00

Key Blanks ( predating transponders ) 3,000.00

Transponder and other Auto Tech Manuals ( annually updated ) 1,000.00

Tech Software and online subscriptions 2,000.00

Education? Schools about 25,000.00 Apprenticeship 2 years and you get paid.

BEWARE of scammers. Fake locksmith opportunities and companies. RESEARCH who you deal with.

www.legallocksmiths.com

Jeff

The Locksmith