Locksmith

Locksmith

Josh-the-Locksmith

25 Years Experience

Austin, TX

Male, 46

I've been a locksmith since 1998. I did automotive residential & commercial work from 1998 to 2008. From 2008 to 2018, I did some residential, but mostly commercial work. I have been project managing & estimating since 2018. I used to locksmith in the Chicago area, now the Austin area.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

330 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on June 11, 2024

Best Rated

I have a budget stack-on 8 gun cabinet can you recommend a alternative locking system ?

Asked by b919 over 10 years ago

If by alternative locking system you mean a better safe, Liberty Safes makes good reasonably priced gun safes. Libertysafe.com should be able to find a dealer in your area.

I'm starting a locksmithing business. What's the best way to get training? Any tips on getting started or what to look out for would be very helpful.

Asked by Jeremy almost 12 years ago

I think working for another well-rounded locksmith for at least 5-10 years would give you enough training to start a locksmith business. Why not get paid to learn the trade? Otherwise you'll spend all your time learning instead of making money. This is 1 of those jobs where most of what you learn, you'll learn in the field. ALOA puts on a lot of classes, there are online classes, & there's always Youtube! 

 

need to replace a lock but a screw in it has been cross threaded how do i get it out. its a wooden door

Asked by lozza over 11 years ago

Take a drill bit the same thickness as the screw, or slightly bigger, & drill the stripped screw as if you were trying to drill a hole right down the center of it. You really only need to drill enough to get the head of the screw off.

Hi josh
Can a door with a turn button lock that can also be opened with a key, and no deadbolt open by itself?
Mind you the door IS LOCKED, and it is a patio door.
Upon inspection.whilst finding door open turn pin was in locked postition.possible?

Asked by Kim over 11 years ago

Well yes if the strike isn't lined up correctly with the latch. You could just pull it up because the latch isn't falling into the hole. If you have a sliding door, those hook bolts are spring loaded. So you can throw the hook bolt & it feels the same whether it goes into the hole or not.

is there any advice or any companies you recommend to contact for subcontracted work. i used to work for a company but want to go independent and get good leads to quote lower more cost efficient prices for customers and not have to gauge them.

Asked by Richie almost 12 years ago

That's a hard question to answer since I don't know what area you live in. I believe Pop-a-lock does subcontacting & they're nationwide. There aren't many though. 

Is it necessary to complete a locksmithing program through a college or trade school before being hired by a company?

Asked by Mr. Curious about 11 years ago

Absolutely not. In fact I dont know many who have been to school for locksmithing. Most people apprentice. Sometimes it's knowing the right person, sometimes it's finding a shop who wants to hire cheap labor & train you.

I have a question about key fobs used to unlock car doors. When looking up aftermarket fobs, they all say that they work with specific makes, models, and dates. If I have a 2004 Acura TSX, what would stop me from using a 2010 TSX key fob?

Asked by ozozznozzy over 10 years ago

I had to ask 1 of our shop techs who deals with remotes about this one. He says that Honda (who makes Acura) has used the same programming procedure for years, so it should work, but no guarantees. All you can do is try. The differences might have something to do with the style of the remote, or maybe certain features in the remote.