Locksmithing Course Outline

Locksmithing career opportunities; working in a locksmith shop; in-house locksmiths; opening a business; recent business trends; qualities of a good locksmith; identifying locks by type, manufacturer, key type, installation method, internal construction and function; types of locks and keys.

Choosing the key blank; barrel, flat, corrugated, cylinder and tubular keys; identifying the bow and keyway grooves; using key blank directories; introduction to key cutting; warded padlocks and bit key locks; lever tumbler locks; disc tumbler locks; side bar wafer locks.

How pin tumbler locks work; re-keying a lock; removing a broken key; replacing the pins; basic tools of the locksmith: drills, broken key extractor, plug follower and plug holder; building your checklist of locksmith's tools and equipment.

Keying for lever tumbler, disc tumbler and pin tumbler master locks; understanding the criminal mind; general rules of building security; how burglars enter; specific security measures for doors and their frames, door locks, windows and lighting; how to make a security survey.

Understanding, installing and servicing the three basic Schlage locks: key-in-knob locks, deadbolt locks and cylinder key mortise locks; Schlage lock parts inventory; types of butts and hinges; high-security strike plates; how to hand a door; Install-A-Lock door reinforcers; hasps; door holders; doorstops; wide-angle door viewers.

Lock cylinder components and safeguards; understanding and installing high-security lock systems: CorKey, DOM IX KG, Kaba Gemini, Medeco and Schlage Primus; understanding and installing the most common pushbutton combination locks: Unican 1000 Series and Simplex Series 3000.

How to understand locks by their design, installation and function; construction and operation of six basic lock types: mortise, key-in-knob, rim, padlock (keyed or combination), and tubular deadlock; fifty common lock applications; understanding what particular models of locks and keys can and cannot do.

Five key types: bit, barrel, flat, tubular and cylinder; key identification and catalogs; keyway spacings and depths; effective diameter; decoding key cuts; depth key sets; understanding master keying; master key access levels and symbols; the master-keyed cylinder; creating a master-keyed system.

Basic characteristics of high-security locks; choosing the right cylinder; detailed construction, design and installation of the most common systems: Medeco, ASSA twin 6000, Mul-T-Lock and the biaxial system.

Control key; core assembly; housing; sleeve; locking lug; control shearline; control pins; pin stack; basic operation and construction of Best, Falcon, Arrow, Eagle and Lockwood locks; keys and key making; pin stack length; slide chart; decoding the core; Schlage cylinders; Medeco cylinders.

Domestic automotive lock types; wafer door locks; wafer sidebar locks; automotive lock designs; keying information; locks for GM, Ford, Chrysler and Saturn; passkey systems; airbag operation, servicing, precautions, removal and troubleshooting.

Alarm control panels; system supervision; computer applications in alarm systems; wired and wireless controls and receivers; zoning; choosing a control; specialized alarm tools for the locksmith; protective devices for windows and doors; passive infra-red detectors; smoke and heat detectors.

Common problems and troubleshooting for heavy-duty and standard cylindrical, mortise and deadbolt locks; removing; reinstalling; replacing; changing the hand; door preparation and mounting; door jambs; wood, glass and metal doors; installing a strike; entry-door security precautions; exit alarm locks; panic bars; extracting broken keys.

Reading codes; lock picking tools and techniques; emergency entry; drilling; cylinder removal; window entrances; filing cabinets and desks; opening doors; opening automobiles; forced entry.

The principles of combination locks; combination lock parts and manipulation; drilling; changing combinations; pushbutton key-less locks; key-less locking devices; working with specific combination lock brands.

Understanding electric releases; electrical considerations; installation and procedures; circuitry; troubleshooting; electric door openers; electrified mortise, knob and key-less locks; electromagnetic locks; key-actuated switches.

Design factors; three types of key cutters and their operating procedures; maintenance; adjusting for depth and lateral spacing; alignment for various key types.

Qualifications, permits, and clearance for locksmiths; planning a locksmith shop; supply stock; financing; record keeping; mobile locksmith shops; advertising and literature; building contacts; legal obligations and regulations.