Instruction Set 1
Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
Locksmithing: An Expanding Career Field
Definition of locksmithing and the security industry; how the locksmith can help fight crime; employment opportunities; qualifications for professional locksmiths.
Instruction Set 2
Introduction to Locks and Keys
Basic types of lock mechanisms; basic key types and their parts; typical locksmithing tasks; standard and specialized tools used by locksmiths.
Key Identification
Basic types of keys and their parts; how keys are duplicated; distinctive key characteristics; how to compare an original key to a blank; how to find key blanks in a key catalog.
Practical Exercise: Identifying Keys
Lock Mechanisms
Construction and operation of warded locks, lever locks, disk tumbler locks, and pin tumbler locks; padlock construction and operation; how combination locks work.
Supplement: Locksmithing Glossary
Learning Aids:
• Assorted key blanks
• Lever Tumbler lock
• Disk Tumbler lock
• Papaiz® Cutaway Padlock
Instruction Set 3
Residential Locks
The mortise lock and the rib lock; operation of key-in-knob locks and tubular deadbolts; installation steps for key-in-knob locks, deadbolts, rim locks, and other door locks.
Keymaking and Rekeying
Key duplication by hand and by machine; how to duplicate cylinder keys, flat keys, and bit keys; rekeying locks.
Practical Exercises:
• Duplicating a key by hand
• Rekeying the Kwikset® door lock
Supplement: Using Tools Safely
Learning Aids:
• Files
• Bench vise
• Kwikset® door lock
• Kwikset® pinning kit
Instruction Set 4
Opening Locks Without Keys
Various methods of opening locks without keys; lockpicking techniques; reading a lock; impressioning keys; forcing a lock open using emergency techniques.
Home and Business Security
Security in retail and industrial settings; "target hardening" techniques; improving security in home and business settings; performing a security analysis.
Practical Exercises:
• Impressioning a Key for a Mortise Cylinder
• Shimming Open and Rekeying the Mortise Cylinder
Learning Aids:
• Lockpicks
• Tension wrench
• Mortise cylinder
• Shims
• Screwdriver set
Instruction Set 5
Automotive Locks
Basic auto lock mechanisms; replacing lock cylinders in doors, ignitions, and trunks; troubleshooting of and servicing of auto lock cylinders; electronic security devices for auto protection.
Safes and Vaults
Basic safe construction; combination lock theory; basic safe maintenance and repair techniques; changing safe combinations; making keys for safe deposit boxes.
Panic Hardware and Electric Locks
Basic types of panic hardware devices; installing panic hardware; repairing and troubleshooting panic hardware; basic electricity for locksmiths; installation of electric locks.
Learning Aid: Master combination padlock
Instruction Set 6
Electronic Security
Basic types of alarm systems; alarm components; designing an alarm system for a customers use; troubleshooting and programming an alarm system.
Starting a Small Business
Creating a business plan; obtaining finances; obtaining needed insurance; necessary permits and licenses; finding a location; setting up your shop; purchasing office equipment and supplies; keeping business records.
Working as a Professional Locksmith
Determining what services to offer and what to charge; evaluating your competition and targeting your customers; setting an advertising budget; legal issues and locksmithing ethics; bonding and licensing; how to look and act like a professional.
Supplement: Starting a Mobile Business
Graduation Set
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)
• Industry Trade Directory
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