22 Essential Tools Every Locksmith Should Own

Locksmiths often don’t get the recognition they deserve, but they play a vital role in safeguarding what people value most: their homes, cars, and possessions. As a locksmith, keeping up with the latest tools and techniques is crucial to providing excellent service and maintaining a competitive edge. If your toolkit hasn’t been updated, now might be the time to revisit the essentials. Here are 22 must-have tools every locksmith should have in their arsenal.

Standard Locksmith Toolkits

1. Beginner’s Lock Pick Set A diverse lock pick set with nine picks is the foundation of any locksmith’s kit. Look for a set that includes a basic hook pick, a diamond pick, and a rake to cover a wide range of lock types.
2. Broken Key Extractors This tool is indispensable for removing broken key fragments from locks. Choose a set with various configurations to tackle different types of key jams.
3. Formed-End Tweezers These specialized tweezers are designed for picking up small pins and components that are too delicate for your hands to handle.
4. Laser Key Cutter and Key Duplicator Upgrade your workspace with a machine that cuts multiple types of keys, from standard to dimple, in one place. Models like the Black Widow/Triton Plus streamline the process and save valuable time.
5. Padlock Shims Padlock shims are perfect for quickly dismantling locks by slipping between the hasp and body. Keep a variety of sizes to handle different padlocks.
6. Tension Tools Tension tools prevent pins from resetting during lock manipulation. Opt for spring-loaded circular wrenches or feather-touch tension wrenches for precision and control.
7. Hand-Held Lighting Scope A compact lighting scope improves visibility in tight spaces, ensuring accurate and safe work. High-quality scopes reduce the risk of errors and injuries.

Locksmith Tools for Automotive Jobs

1. Universal Gas Cap Tool Gas caps with locks are becoming more common to deter theft. A universal gas cap tryout key ensures quick access when clients lose their keys.
2. Auto Wedge Set Made from durable ABS plastic, these wedges slide smoothly between windows and weatherstripping to assist in car lockouts.
3. Slim Jim Set Slim jims are staples for car lockouts. A varied set including round and clamp-on options, helps you easily tackle different types of automotive locks.
4. Auto Shutter Toolset This toolset holds open dust covers on automotive locks, allowing for careful handling and preventing unnecessary damage to vehicles.
5. Auto Jigglers These specialized lock picks are designed for domestic and foreign car models, making them versatile for automotive locksmithing.

Locksmith Tools for Residential Jobs

1. Lock and Safe Scope This scope provides strong illumination for inspecting wafers inside locks and safes, ensuring precise work without damaging valuables.
2. Everest Lock Tension Wrench Designed specifically for Schlage Everest cylinders, this wrench is essential for lifting the rear check pin in house door knobs.
3. Key Decoder A key decoder helps determine the pin depth on keys from popular brands like Schlage, Kwikset, and Weiser. These tools are available in both plastic and metal variants.

Safe and Vault Tools

1. Safe Change Key Set A must-have for handling safes, the K-18 Change Key Set includes 12 of the most commonly used safe change keys.
2. Broken Drill Bit Extractors Broken drill bits can stall your progress. A precision extractor with a solid grip helps remove bits measuring between 3/16 and 1/4 inch in thickness.
3. Thermic Lance This high-powered tool burns at temperatures exceeding 5530°C and is capable of cutting through virtually any material, from concrete to reinforced steel.

Essential Equipment and Safety Gear

1. Toolbox A durable toolbox, such as the Stanley Fat Max, provides rust-resistant storage and protection for your tools in any weather conditions.
2. Safety Gloves Protect your hands with cut-resistant gloves that prevent splinters and other injuries during locksmithing tasks.
3. Eye Protection Safety glasses shield your eyes from flying debris, metal shavings, and sparks generated during cutting or drilling.
4. Protective Footwear Steel-toe boots offer the necessary support and protection for locksmiths who spend long hours on their feet, minimizing the risk of injuries.

Conclusion

Every single tool in a locksmith kit is used for a specific purpose, whether that be lock picking, a car door unlocking, or even self-defense on the field. Having modernistic heavy-duty tools not only speeds things up, but it does set you up to be able to deal with a whole lot of engagement. Upgrading one’s tool kit is essential for dealing with whatever the job brings!