There are a number of companies that you can get locksmith supplies from. You will be able to get a variety of supplies including:

Locksmith Supply Companies

• Assured Lock & Tool Supply
• Locks Picks
• CLK Supplies
• World Locksmith
• McDonald Dash
• LA Locksmith Supply
• Wilco Supply
• Taylor Security & Lock
• The Lock Pick Shop

If you’ve forgotten the combination to a Master Lock combination lock, you have a few options. If the lock isn’t locked onto anything, you can make a photocopy of the serial number and send that to Master Lock for the combination. If, however, your lock is attached to something, you can break the lock, call a locksmith, use a shim, or figure out the combination. Of these options, only the last two will leave you with a usable lock without emptying your wallet. Unfortunately, there are 64,000 possible combinations on a standard 40 digit Master Lock. With this method, however, you can quickly narrow that down to 80 combinations, a workable number to try if you’ve got the time and the inclination to give it a shot.

1. Look at the Master Lock brand. This method only works with Master Lock combination locks, and may not work with all of them. It is rumored that Master Lock changed the combination algorithm on some of the newer locks, in particular those with serial numbers starting with the number 800. Some people, however, have reportedly had success cracking these with this method, too, so it may be worth a try. Check the discussion page for this article to check which serial numbers others succeed with.
2. Turn the lock’s dial clockwise to zero. It is a good idea to turn it at least three rotations first, just to make sure it’s clear.
3. Apply steady tension to the shackle and turn the dial clockwise. The shackle is the u-shaped part of the lock that goes around whatever you’re locking. To apply tension you can either pull the shackle up while holding the lock, or you can pull the lock down if the shackle is locked onto something solid. Turn the dial slowly as you apply tension. If you can’t turn the dial at all, release the shackle and turn the dial clockwise just a number or two and then try it again.
4. Find the first sticking point.
   1. As you turn the dial clockwise with tension on the shackle, you will come to a point where you can’t turn the dial anymore. Make note of where it stops. Sometimes it will stick right on the numbers, but sometimes it will be between the numbers. If so, record the number to the half (e.g. 22.5, 7.5, etc.).
   2. While continuing to apply tension to the shackle, turn the dial as far left (counter-clockwise) as you can. Make note of where it stops. Now you have a sticking “range.” (Note: Some 800XXX locks have a two number range [e.g. 28-30], this sticking point is the last digit of your lock.)
   3. Determine the sticking point by finding the number that’s in the midpoint of the sticking range. A range of 4 and 5 would have a sticking point of 4.5. A range of 22.5 and 23.5 would have a sticking point of 23.
5. Release shackle tension and turn the dial slightly past the sticking point. Turn the dial clockwise about one number from the sticking point in order to allow you to “escape” that sticking point.
6. Reapply tension to the shackle and continue turning the dial clockwise to find all the sticking points. You should find a total of twelve sticking points in one complete turn of the dial. Write them down.
7. Find the third number of the combination.
   1. Look at your list of sticking points and eliminate all those which are not whole numbers (i.e. cross off any number that ends in .5). You should eliminate 7 of the 12 numbers with this step.
   2. Of the remaining sticking points, choose the one with the unique digit in the “ones” position. Four of the remaining five numbers will share the same number in the “ones” place, so for example, if the numbers left on the list are 4, 14, 24, 27, and 34, the number 27 is the only one which does not have a four in the “ones” place. This is the third number of the combination.
8. Find the magic number. Divide the third number of the combination (27 in this case) by four and write down the remainder. In this case 27/4 = 6 remainder 3. Remember we are only concerned with the remainder, which will always be 0, 1, 2, or 3. Write down the magic number (3 in this example).
9. Find the possible first numbers of the combination. Add 4 to the magic number (3). Write down the result (7). Now add 4 to that and continue adding 4 to each resulting sum until you have gone completely around the dial once. Write down each of these numbers. Thus, for the example above the numbers would be 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, and 39. One of these numbers is the first number of the combination. (NOTE: For some 800XXX locks this will be the second number of the combination. The next set of numbers will be used as the first)
10. Find the possible second numbers in the combination. If your magic number is 0 or 1 then add 2 to it, otherwise subtract 2. Since our example magic number is 3, we subtract 2 and get 1. Write down the answer and add 4 to it. Now add 4 to each resulting sum until you have gone completely around the dial once. Thus, in the example, the numbers would be 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, and 37. One of these numbers is the second number in the combination.
11. Cross out the numbers (the possible 2ND numbers) Plus or Minus 2 [25 & 29] from the third number of the combination[27].
12. Figure out the correct combination by trial and error. You now know all the possible first numbers [3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39], all the possible second numbers [1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 33, 37], and the third number [27]. You’ve just narrowed down 64,000 combinations to only 80. Now try each combination until you find the correct one. If you’re lucky, you may need to try only a few but then again, you may need to try all 80.

For Original: www.wikihow.com

Lock Picking (THIS IS INSANE!!) – Funny video clips are a click away

1. Understand how your lock works. The pin-and-tumbler lock consists of a cylinder that can rotate within its housing (see illustrations below). When locked, the cylinder is kept in place by several pairs of pins. The top pin of each pair protrudes into both the cylinder and the housing, thus preventing the cylinder from turning. When the correct key is inserted, it pushes the pairs of pins up so that the top pins no longer enter the cylinder. When this happens, the cylinder can be turned and the lock will open.
   • 

     Note the five pairs of pins. The blue pins enter both the cylinder and the (green) housing around it, thus preventing the cylinder from turning. The springs provide resistance to keep the pins in place.

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     When the key is inserted, the grooves and ridges on the key push the pins up to the correct heights so that all the blue pins are completely out of the cylinder, thus allowing the cylinder to turn and the lock to open.

2. 2
   

   Get a pick and tension wrench. Each pick is specialized for a different problem. A tension wrench, or torque wrench, is the device which you apply pressure with to turn the lock cylinder. Professional-grade picks and tension wrenches can be purchased in sets (see picture), but many lock picking hobbyists make good quality sets of their own. See the Things You’ll Need section below for information on how to make your own picks and tension wrenches.

3. 3

   Place the tension wrench into the lower portion of the keyhole.

4. 4

   Determine which way the cylinder must be turned to unlock the lock. If you commonly use the lock, you probably already know which way you turn the key to open the lock. If you don’t know, use the tension wrench to apply torque to the cylinder, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. The cylinder will only turn a fraction of an inch before it stops. Try to feel the firmness of the stop. If you turn the cylinder the wrong way, the stop should feel very firm and stiff. If you turn it the right way, there should be a bit more give. Some locks, especially among padlocks, will open regardless of which way the cylinder is turned.

5. 5

   Apply light torque to the tension wrench in the correct direction, and hold. The required torque will vary from lock to lock and from pin to pin, so this may require some trial and error. Start gently, though.

6. 6
   

   Picking the lock. The part labeled “plug” is the cylinder.

   Insert the pick into the upper part of the keyhole and feel the pins. With the pick in the keyhole, you should be able to press up and feel the individual pins with the tip of the pick. You should be able to push them up and feel them spring back down when you release the pressure. Try to push each one all the way up. Identify which one is the hardest to push up. If they are all very easy to push up, turn your tension wrench more to increase the torque. If one won’t go up at all, ease the torque until you can push it up. Alternately, you may wish to “rake” the pins before this step (see Tips below).

7. 7

   Push the stubborn pin up until it “sets.” Press the stubborn pin with just enough pressure to overcome the downward pressure of the spring. Remember, the pin is actually a pair of pins. Your pick is pushing against the lower pin, which in turn pushes against the upper pin. Your goal is to push the upper pin completely out of the cylinder. Then, when you stop pushing, the lower pin will fall back down into the cylinder, but the torque on the cylinder will result in a misalignment of the hole in the cylinder with the hole in the housing, and the upper pin should then rest on the cylinder without falling back down. You should hear a faint click as the upper pin falls back down on top of the cylinder. You should also be able to push the lower pin up a little with no resistance from the spring—when this occurs you most likely have the upper pin “set.”

8. 8

   Continue applying torque and repeat the last two steps for each of the remaining pins. It is imperative that you maintain torque on the cylinder to prevent the set pins from dropping back down. You may need to make slight increases or decreases in torque for each pin.

9. 9

   Use the tension wrench to turn the cylinder and unlock the lock. Once all the pins are set, you should be able to turn the cylinder. Hopefully you have already ascertained the correct direction to turn it. If you have chosen the wrong direction, you will need to start over and reset all the pins.

For original see: Wiki How

Locksmith Video School Here!

We provide the most up-to-date Locksmith training program available. Understanding the field of locksmithing is priceless in today’s financial and security conscious environment.

Our Locksmith training program has changed the financial direction of thousands of individuals seeking a new career. Whether you are looking to acquire a new trade, Start your own mobile locksmith service or Lockout service; or are seeking to enhance your skill level to fill a position in the company you are presently employed by. You have found it! The Locksmith Business is one of the most interesting professions in the world. The income potential is staggering considering the limited investment required to get started. This business in the past has been very hard to break into, well times are changing. With the rising costs of services we are seeing an enormous shortage of individuals capable of providing these services. If you are on the receiving end however, it is a very profitable career.

A person considering a career in locksmithing in the past had only two ways to learn this business.

1. 1. Work as a trainee at a lock shop for $10.00 to $28.00 an hour tops; of course as you have probably already found; finding a locksmith willing to train someone is almost impossible.
2. Enroll in a text book based correspondent’s course. Most of which are reproductions of old locksmith manuals. They will cost you plenty and teach you very little.

It is hard to convey in print such a trade as this, it will require seeing it being done.

Please read the next section of this page very carefully, It Will explain how best to navigate through our web site and the four different ways that you can purchase our Locksmith Training program.

In the menu bar at the top of this page you will see nine categories they are.

Course with tools:
This is our full locksmith training program with Manuals and Tools. It is called our Advanced Plus Program.

Courses Only:
On this page you will find two different program sets that do not include our manuals or tools. They are our Basic Course and the Advanced Course. Read the course description to understand the difference between the two. “Basic does not mean Beginner course”.

Individuals:
On this page you will find our full programs broken up into individual courses. This gives you the ability to purchase them individually. They are available on video CD that plays on Windows media player. Or on DVD.

FAQ:
This is our most frequently asked questions page.”you will learn much by reading through this page”

Misc.:This is all a miscellaneous page. You will find items such as Depth Keys and various tools.

Links:These are links to various web sites you may find informative.

Testimonials
These are individuals, corporations and government agencies that have purchased our training program.
Contact:This page is our contact and e-mail information’s page.

Corporate:
This is our locksmith training program for companies with two or more employees.

On the top right hand side of this page is a link to our down-loadable demo. If you have a high-speed Internet connection, after reading through our web site I would encourage you to watch this demo. Through it I will be discussing how our locksmith training program is laid out. As well as showing you a short clip from each Course and how best to began your professional career as a locksmith.

Start by reading through the page entitled Course with tools. It can be found on the menu bar at the top of this page.
Then carefully read through our FAQ page, also found on the menu bar at the top of the page.
Finally, click the link entitled sample video It is located in the top right-hand column of that page.

After reading through, and viewing the sample video you should have a clear understanding of our Locksmith Training Program. And you will have a deeper understanding of the entire locksmith industry.

You may also call us at 1-702-558-9012 Monday through Friday nine to five Pacific Standard Time. If you have any further questions. Please watch our sample video before calling.

Thank you for your time.   I look forward to helping you launch your new career.

Courtesy of: http://www.locksmithvideoschool.com/

A locksmith is someone who specializes in locks. Anyone who has been locked out of their car or home is probably familiar with one of the services a locksmith offers, but locksmiths do a lot more than helping people get back into their locked homes. This profession is quite ancient; as long as there have been locks and keys to fit them, there have been people to specialize in them. In addition to handling locks, some locksmiths also work in security consulting, since locks are one way to control access to something.

As with any profession with “smith” in the title, locksmiths originally fabricated locks and keys from metal, although modern locksmiths also work with electronic locks, ranging from key card entry systems to biometric locks. Locksmiths install, repair, and adjust locks in everything from cars to office buildings, and they also offer services to people who are locked out or individuals who want to consult with someone about their security systems.

Most locksmiths need a lot of equipment for the practice of their trade, and it is not uncommon for a locksmith to use a van to carry his or her tools around. Locksmiths typically carry tools which are designed for picking locks, so that they can get into locked structure and vehicles, and they also have equipment to fabricate keys, program electronic locks, and to perform other tasks related to the profession, such as diagnosing problems with electronic lock and security systems.

When a locksmith installs locks on an office building, he or she usually becomes that building’s default locksmith, because of his or her presumed familiarity with the building’s locks. Some locksmiths retain extra key sets, by request, to gain quick entry when needed. They also keep records of the types of locks used in a structure, replacement or repair work undertaken, and any other relevant information, such as connection with a security system which demands that a code be entered when a door is unlocked.

To become a locksmith, most people train as apprentices. It helps to have metal fabricating, construction, and electronics skills, but these are not required; locksmiths perform such specific tasks that these skills can be learned on the job. In some regions, locksmiths are licensed, and legal codes may lay out the term under which titles like “Master Locksmith” may be used. Good locksmiths are excellent problem solvers who are willing to work at unusual hours, and they are of course discreet, as they often handle confidential or sensitive information.

Courtesy of : Wise Geek

They call them “Phony Locksmiths” and they’re flooding the market place all across the United States with large phone book ads and a never ending list of real phone numbers but phony addresses that do not exist. This is to make you think they’re a trusted local company.

What Phony Locksmiths Do

In short they mislead the consumer by quoting low prices over the phone but delivering an outrageous bill. The most outrageous story I know of was an 80 year old man that was charged $1700.00 to get back into his house at about 2:00AM (see first video). They threatened and intimidated him into paying.

Usually an unqualified person shows up at your door in there personal unmarked vehicle. Then instead of trying to pick the lock they just pull out the drill and drill it open. Now you need new locks also.

So to open a house, a $35 quote would go something like this…

$35 is just the Service/Trip charge, then however much they think the customer can pay for drilling (i.e. $100, $200 or even as much as $1000) then $189 for a lock.

Another one where the quote is for $55 to open the car but they try to charge $150.

Check Out This Video About Phony Locksmiths

I’ve placed a few videos below so you can see how they work to help make you a more informed consumer. These news reports are from back East but they ARE here in Utah.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Phony Locksmiths?

Maybe the best way to protect yourself would be to choose a locksmith that you know is from your town. Or one that a friend has used before or recommended to you.

Some say (I agree) you should find a Locksmith before you need one. Just keep a Locksmith in mind or better yet, program there number into your phone now just in case you or a friend ever needs one.

Unfortunately I’ve found YellowBook.com (who I advertise with) to be one of the worst offenders when it comes to allowing these fraudulent deceptive ad’s on there web site. I counted over 60 locksmiths with the same name “1 2 3 24 Hour A Locksmith” and they are all listed one after the other. That’s 6 or 7 pages in a row. And most, if not all the addresses they list as locations do not even exist. They show one right around the corner from my house.   It’s not there.

Courtesy of: Key Away Locksmith

How Do You Know What the Best Deadbolt Lock Is?

A deadbolt is commonly found on the entry doors to homes, and for good reason, since they are one of the most secure types of locking devices. A deadbolt consists of a lock cylinder mounted in the door, and a long, thick bolt that inserts into an opening in the door frame. The bolt is usually made of weighty steel, preferably at least one inch long. When activated, it slides into the lined opening in the door jam (the strike plate), connecting the door to the frame. The bolt can’t be moved to the open position without rotating the lock cylinder (the mechanism housed within the keyed part of the lock). Since this requires the correct key, a deadbolt is solid protection against unwanted entry.

The two main types of deadbolt locks are single and double cylinder locks. A single cylinder deadbolt has a keyed opening on one side and a knob that can be turned by hand on the other. This is commonly used on an entry door, allowing it to be locked with a key when exiting, but manually turned from the inside to let someone in.

A double cylinder deadbolt lock is keyed on both sides. This offers considerably more protection against unwanted entry since it requires a key to be opened at all. A good example of an appropriate place for a double cylinder lock is on a door that has a glass section or one located near a window. If the glass is broken and someone tries to reach in to open the door, they won’t be able to. There is one serious drawback to this arrangement, and that is the need to escape in an emergency situation. A quick exit would be hindered since a key is required to open the lock and leaving the key in the lock for such emergencies eliminates its effectiveness.

When shopping for a deadbolt, look for:

1. Grade 1 or grade 2 locks, which are stronger and can withstand kicking, prying, wrenching, hammering, sawing or drilling.
2. A steel deadbolt with a throw that is at least one inch long.
3. Strike plates that are secured with screws at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches long.
4. Five or six-pin cylinders.
5. A free spinning solid-metal cylinder collar.

In determining which type of deadbolt lock is best for your situation, keep in mind where it will be located and your goal in having a lock located there. Pick your device not just for maximum security, but for safety as well.

Courtesy of:  Super Pages