Ask a Locksmith anything

325 Questions

Last Answer on June 24, 2022

OTHER than calling a locksmith, any recommendations on what to do if I lock my keys in my car? I remember my father trying to use a coat hanger, but that only worked maybe once out of 10 times.

Asked by joanie almost 12 years ago

There are no magic tricks. No blanket recommendation for breaking in a car. Too many cars require different methods. I can give you advice on how to PREPARE for it! Either sign up for a AAA membership ($50 a year which includs 3 free car openings) OR buy a small combo lock box & install it under your car. Only takes 2 screws. Just don't screw it into your gas tank. ;-)

1122 Votes

Do you have any stories about locksmiths using their skills to burglarize?

Asked by Shonuff almost 12 years ago

None that I've ever heard of. I unlocked an old arcade game once so my friend could play for free! Haha

1120 Votes

Am I supposed to tip my locksmith?

Asked by Tony Riddles about 11 years ago

We don't count on tips, but they're always appreciated! ;-) Personally, any time I have service work done at MY house, I always try to tip at least five dollars if I have it. If nothing else, offer them something to drink. I'm shocked at how many people don't do either.

1117 Votes

Ever wind up getting romantically involved with a "damsel in distress" customer for whom you saved the day?

Asked by J.G. almost 12 years ago

I ended up dating a girl who's car I unlocked. Another time, a lady who was going through a rough time straight up asked me to have sex with her! I declined and left as fast as I could.

1111 Votes

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hey there im wanting to get in the locksmith game i already have the school im going to just wondering once i complete my course so should i work for my self or someone and also since i will be new what would the pay be like for residential and auto

Asked by DONONOVAN about 11 years ago

School or work for someone: I've seen a lot of new locksmiths start businesses and fail because they weren't experienced, and were terrible at running a business. Personally, I would say work for someone for a while, learn the business, make mistakes on someone else's dollar, figure out what you like and don't like about the way they do things, and get comfortable approaching almost any lock situation. THEN start your own company. Pay: First of all, it totally depends on the going rates in your area. It varies quite a bit. You'll have to be doing auto for quite a while and get really good (making keys and servicing ignitions and door locks) before you'll make good money. Luckily, a lot of locksmiths hate auto work (like myself even though I did it for 10 years). There isn't much money in residential work. It's all in commercial work.

1106 Votes

Do you think traditional doorlocks will eventually become obsolete, and everything will just be keyless entry? It's already the case on certain cars and garage doors, why not front doors?

Asked by Lany atl almost 12 years ago

I think that you're probably right about that. My first boss always told me that I would probably see the end of mechanical locks in my day. I think we have 20-30 years before we see it trickle down to lower & middle class due to the cost of it. Obviously it's currently being use regularly in office bldgs everywhere, but the cost is $800+ a door. So they have a ways to go before we see the price drop low enough and have products designed simple enough for the mechanically-inclined homeowner to install it himself. They already have touch-screen deadbolts, remote control deadbolts, & obviously regular keypad deadbolts. Generally the reason businesses want to eliminate keys is for more control. Audit trails, easy & costly elimination of a fired employee, lots of benefits really; but not a lot for residential reasons other than convenience. Which is why we prob won't see it for quite a while, & mostly in high end home with home automation.

1100 Votes

Do you have friends and family who take advantage of your profession and call you constantly to help with lock-outs?

Asked by go leo almost 12 years ago

I used to a lot. For really close friends, I just did it for free unless they wanted to tip me. And then friends of friends started calling. I would just charge them a flat $20.

1092 Votes

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Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

OTHER than calling a locksmith, any recommendations on what to do if I lock my keys in my car? I remember my father trying to use a coat hanger, but that only worked maybe once out of 10 times.

Do you have any stories about locksmiths using their skills to burglarize?

Am I supposed to tip my locksmith?

Ever wind up getting romantically involved with a "damsel in distress" customer for whom you saved the day?

Also on Jobstr...

hey there im wanting to get in the locksmith game i already have the school im going to just wondering once i complete my course so should i work for my self or someone and also since i will be new what would the pay be like for residential and auto

Do you think traditional doorlocks will eventually become obsolete, and everything will just be keyless entry? It's already the case on certain cars and garage doors, why not front doors?

Do you have friends and family who take advantage of your profession and call you constantly to help with lock-outs?

Locksmith

Ask me anything!

What do YOU do?

OTHER than calling a locksmith, any recommendations on what to do if I lock my keys in my car? I remember my father trying to use a coat hanger, but that only worked maybe once out of 10 times.

Do you have any stories about locksmiths using their skills to burglarize?

Am I supposed to tip my locksmith?

Ever wind up getting romantically involved with a "damsel in distress" customer for whom you saved the day?

Also on Jobstr...

hey there im wanting to get in the locksmith game i already have the school im going to just wondering once i complete my course so should i work for my self or someone and also since i will be new what would the pay be like for residential and auto

Do you think traditional doorlocks will eventually become obsolete, and everything will just be keyless entry? It's already the case on certain cars and garage doors, why not front doors?

Do you have friends and family who take advantage of your profession and call you constantly to help with lock-outs?

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