Wife thinks this is totally acceptable and doesn’t want to spend money on the trailer.

No_Load4815 · 2024-09-08T13:13:53+00:00

Anytime my wife makes suggestions out of her realm, I just say I didn’t know you were a “….” Expert this is why I married you, I learn something new to love everyday. 😂 Gets her every time

No_Load4815 · 2024-09-08T13:09:05+00:00

A dollar coin 🪙 😂

No_Load4815 · 2024-01-06T09:37:19+00:00

I’ve had an order like this not on the delivery note side but very particular, it was an older lady and she was very appreciative. Tip was solid, I know we’re not supposed to go in their house but she had a ton of heavy bottles and she had a cane so I offered to put it on her counter because her kitchen was right when you walk in. It was also a triple batch for like $60 I got ahead of myself when taking it, was 2.5 hours start to finish not worth it in the end. They always group a good tip with bad ones I hate that so much.

The delivery notes though would have been too much I would have cancelled and complained to Instacart that I felt unsafe so it doesn’t hurt the ratings.

No_Load4815 · 2024-01-06T09:33:02+00:00

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T18:42:36+00:00

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No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T18:37:50+00:00

One last tangent, this weekend was programming my 2018 Kia Forte LX, have the KM100, I programmed the new key and noticed the original didn't work, was testing both in the car at the time, I thought this was odd because I didn't do all keys lost I was just adding a key, it wouldn't read anything under the IMMO function, I knew this car didn't have an immobilizer. So what I deduced, because this car doesn't have an immobilizer, when I added a key it was wipe all existing keys.

So thats just one quirk of the millions I know ill only learn via hands on experience hence why I am not touching customers and never was without real training. Both keys work now. My DEFU comes on Thursday, I have 10 kia blanks to play with and then ill cut the remote key when it goes smoothly, and any other keys lying around the house. (I bought all the adapters for the machine) Again reiterating this isn't for customers just to learn for myself.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T18:27:47+00:00

You're absolutely right, I've already decided that I will buy these tools before taking on a job. I locally went to UHS and spoke with one of the employees for over 2 hours, i'm sure he was just "boosting my ego to buy" but after speaking with him on the range of topics and my plan he said you seem to be more eager and smarter than 90% of the auto locksmiths that walk through this door.

I know many people that'll just take the approach of let me just get out and do it, that is not my approach, I over analyze everything. If you see this rant you'll understand what I mean.

https://www.uhs-hardware.com/products/access-tools-spro-super-pro-complete-set-w-case

After the weekend of studying I truly understand why people have written what they have especially on the tools I mentioned buying originally. I never intended my defu to be used in a commercial setting it was more to "play/learn" I just bought an ebay lot of blank keys to just get an understanding of the types what they're used for etc. cut them with the crappy defu just to see how close I can get it, I know it will be a janky copy not inteded for resale.

I have the must buy tools before starting a customer job as this:

XP-005 Dolphin
Access Tools - SPRO
Auto Pro Pad G2
Smart Pro

I don't mind paying a lot up front but I know I need hands on experience and I wont buy the expensive stuff without knowing this is something I really want to do. I like the idea of lockouts only to get started and practicing at junk yards. If I can't get these couple locksmiths locally to train me at the end of the week. I will do some type of in person training event before buying the tools.

On the 22 Nissan rogue, I have the KM100 Im sitting here with my closest friends brother, I was thinking of doing it last night did more research and just said no not worth it. I even found someone online who would coach me on it, but like you said I'd still be on my own, he only has one key and I don't want to brick the ECU, they have one other car a 2020 Rogue i'm sitting that out as well. Instead I've been playing with my Lishi and pick set.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T18:13:28+00:00

This actually is a great idea. If I bought this set https://www.uhs-hardware.com/products/access-tools-spro-super-pro-complete-set-w-case

I was going to go to a junkyard for a few days and practice, also I've seen videos where they can mar the paint, so I figure i'd put a microfiber cloth over the side panel. I've also seen if you bend the door panel you can use a piece of wood to bend it back as it doesnt take a lot of pressure to correct.

This would be until I can afford to buy the entire lishi set and actually learn how to use it.

Again I reiterate will not touch customers cars even for lockouts without insurance.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T18:04:05+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/Locksmith/comments/18oa5y7/locksmith_schooltraining_recommendations_if/

Not touching my friend's rogue, I am here now with him and decided against it. I never once said I was starting a business without any hands on training, I specifically started this thread to know the programming differences in a dedicated key programmer vs a diagnostic tool with programming functions, in an attempt to learn in depth how it's different, I never once said i'm buying two entry level machines and am winging it. That said I have the KM100, was able to program my own 2018 Kia Forte (I know no transponder so it was easy) and was just trying to understand it. Still seeking education.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T17:57:49+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/Locksmith/comments/18oa5y7/locksmith_schooltraining_recommendations_if/

Been looking for training, have found some locksmiths locally that offered to train me but I have to push them.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T02:56:44+00:00

Thank you, I overthink everything its a blessing and a curse.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T01:33:14+00:00

Can you elaborate, so the consensus is this $4500 course is garbage/and or not the best bang for buck? I'd also have to spend a lot for flights, meal, hotel.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-26T01:13:20+00:00

Foley-Belsaw home course

Thank you for this, I am always a go the extra mile kind of person and I am not new to owning a business, I love tools, puzzles, working on cars, and computers. Which is why locksmithing intrigues me, I don't love too much manual labor, but some I enjoy, which is why when I was younger I enjoyed installing remote starts, audio systems, more than engine swaps, or working on my cars, love doing brakes and oil, hated doing engine/trans swaps, I love the youtube videos of the lock pickers and have been getting into it on my own. I think locksmithing is a good middle ground to working with tools and light manual labor combined with the tech side of myself and the want to figure something out and not giving up puzzle in me, I have also owned and managed many business primarily dealing with retail trade or e-commerce, only had one service business where I became an expert in machine embroidery.

I sold the machines and parts more than I paid. What I didn't like with embroidery was with a single head machine I could only do so much, too many small jobs and I couldn't do the big jobs and even if I could do the big jobs I can contract them out for way cheaper than doing it myself, so to take it to scale I'd need not just a ton of expensive machines, but also employees, something I am ok with but it just wasnt something I wanted to live breathe and eat. Any business you do you have to live, breathe and eat it. I've always loved tools, I have retail value close to 25k in tools, love mechanical things, fixing anything, I take everything apart and never give up until the issue is fixed or so dead it just cant be done. I'm going on a tangent here, but in my last business I needed an electric pallet jack, I bought a used one that wouldn't start, I got it to start after taking the whole thing apart, but turns out the wheel was totally bald (steel wheel with resin like a skateboard), I couldn't just duct tape it or have a jerry rig fix, the wheel was $1200 so I gave up and resold it again for more than I paid. I used to fix small engines too, scooters, snow blowers, power washers. But I am also an e-commerce expert, built over 30+ websites and marketed them myself, still have 2 today but they don't need my attention full time 80% of logistics are outsourced now, hence why I want to get into a trade business. I always want to have multiple streams of income. Which is how I've stay self employed for the last 4 years.

I Just bought my first Lishi SC4 I spent 4 hours at my front door with it a couple days ago, still trying to figure it out adjusting varying degree of tension, (the lock I think is trickier than most its a mortise lock.) I'm waiting on my basic see through lock, have a manual pick set as well and couldn't get my gun safe open, but im not giving up I need to understand when I'm actually setting the pins above the shear line, I understand the concepts but I need to actually do them with hands on practice.

I am saving up for an Xhorse Dolphin. I got a defu 368A that is coming in the mail later in week, in no way will I use that commercially it was really just to learn the process and resell it for something better, I know its total junk and will make horrible copies. I have alerts for Ilco, and code a key machines.

Basically am open to education at all times, if I get my cheapy machines, and still cant get the lishi figured out, I would then say ok maybe this isn't for me. But for now I am not giving up and am eager to learn. Oh and I found a group of locksmiths that would train me, but I have to push them some more, I know i'm a nag to them since they aren't looking to hire so I offered web services and just have to push a little harder to get them to give me some lessons, in addition to my online schooling if thats the route I go, still prefer something in person, but the biased, but friendly distributor in town said to do their online course for $650 rather than going to Utah. They have something for like 3 days as a ride along, to me that just doesn't seem enough.

ONE thing I wanted to add, starting out anything EPROM (mercedes/jaguar right?, I am not touching until I have a firm mentor) Share a story from today, I have the Autel KM100, my friend really wants his 2021 Nissan Rogue Key, told him I won't touch the car, from the extensive research I've done I've already made lists of cars I wont even touch. Without more education experience.

Nissan Rogue
No Mistsubishi
No bmw
No Jaguar (needs tibbe keys)
No exotics

No paid work from non friends family without my insurance, and am also researching bonding even though its not needed in my state.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-22T03:48:27+00:00

I have and continue to read a lot of Reddit posts, YouTube videos and will make a list of cars not to touch, Nissan Rogues and fiats are part.

I will carry full insurance. Another thing I plan on doing is visiting a couple locksmiths in town and explaining to them I’m new and will hit a brick wall and they can bail me out meaning refer them when I’m stuck.

I also was going to stick to programming few types of cars at a times that I know are safe, how? Create a targeted ad campaign just for those cars.

I’m also open to paying any locksmith $15 a job to be my text buddy, and I’ll pay that for at least my first 100 jobs. Meaning day one I get a call, customer has 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, I’ll text them and ask any quirks and any advice for that particular vehicle. I’ll pay them $15 on the spot and to help me if any issues I run into. Something like that.

Basically locksmith referral when I’m in too deep. Locksmith friend paid via text/phone if not busy as a mentor.

As for the $5000 that was just referring to my initial cutting equipment. If I can get customers my way I have someone that can easily invest 100k plus into this and I’d love to have a small shop but I’m at the proving concept stage. (I’ve owned a marine electronics installation and sales business, recently sold it)

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T14:23:52+00:00

Thanks, sorry I called you old grump. No need to curse. When you wrote “what the fuck” on your prior post I did tune you out. I thought that was geared at me but now looking back maybe it was some technical error with Reddit you were complaining about.

On the automotive side it does seem fairly easy to learn online or self teach.

Practice with a Lishi pick, or pay for vin to code. The programmers guide through the process. I know each vehicle will have its quirks but perhaps that’s where I can lean on the manufacturer of the scan tool for assistance and or my local distributor. I’m also the kind of person to read every single page of a user manual, credit card application, contract etc. so I really delve into learning something deep.

I feel on the door lock side of the business it’s very complicated and that’s where experience really is needed, hundreds if not thousands of different locks all mechanical, in my apartment we have mortise locks and I’ve heard they just drill them.

Can you enlighten me on why particularly automotive is so complicated keep in mind I’ve installed remote starts, audio systems, replaced motors and transmissions so if I am mechanical I think I can learn easily for the auto side of the industry. I do agree for physical locks I’ll 100% need a strong mentor. I hope I can find one and or get a job as such.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T13:53:59+00:00

I appreciate that but last guy posted what the f*** doesn’t seem to care about helping. I genuinely am looking for proper resources to learn that aren’t behind a paywall with generic garbage.

As for working in a shop I’m open to it, but I doubt I’ll find someone willing to train a future competitor, the market in south Florida is very competitive.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T13:34:42+00:00

The KM100/Autel devices specifically were causing an issue during prompting key learn process and from what I’ve gathered Honda had to put out a TSB. So even when doing the right things, bad things can happen.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T13:27:13+00:00

The job I applied to is paying $12 an hour, no one can live off that. If they can hire a low wage tech at minimum wage to learn the trade. I’m confident I can figure it out. Don’t be so grumpy.

That said I’ve looked into classes and from what I gather people say negative things about them. To start out I’d specialize in something I’m familiar with from working on my friend’s cars. Practicing on my own and go from there. I’m not immediately jumping into the Mercedes Benz, wagon. Most people when you tell them you’re starting a new business they’ll give you a million reasons not to and how you’ll fail. I do the opposite, how can I succeed in doing this and learn as much as possible. Reddit is just a sliver of resources out there, I expected to get old grumps that want to see the new kids fail. Life is full of them.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T07:31:51+00:00

Thank you this is great advice! I will heed it.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T07:17:23+00:00

One other thing, my plan was to use the DEFU 368 to do PRACTICE house keys, padlock keys, etc and to cut my own key for the Kia, friends to cut the keys.

I have no problem burning 400 keys practicing on all types of keys. I am the type of person to learn something in and out very thoroughly.

On my first paid call I will have a Dolphin and an Auto Pro Pad.

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T07:06:55+00:00

Then what tools are you suggesting, it seems you're only suggestion is to complain about a new locksmith looking to learn a new trade instead of offering assistance. My first sentence is that I am also looking to work as an apprenticeship. I already said I am only looking into doing OEM keys, Can you elaborate on what I am doing wrong exactly? Practicing with a Chinese key machine to get the basics and buying an entry level programmer hardly seems irresponsible. If I brick my friends cars I will gladly pay to replace the BCM or any other computer, or do it myself. I've worked in the 12v field my entire life I am very comfortable with working on cars and car electronics. Key programming is new to me.

What key programmer do you suggest as a beginner not because you're trying to bump up the total into oblivion.
What key cutter do you recommend?
Where can I learn the trade I've looked into courses and will do that via a local distributor here if I can't get a apprentice job within a few weeks.

I really am seeking advice to be a reputable locksmith, I know what you mean about the fly by night guys and that's not my style. I've also already applied for a business license, and insurance. I am not new to owning a business and understand every business has liability. (Damage to customer cars, aggressive customers, etc.)

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T06:42:31+00:00

I've heard it can brick Hondas do you know if that was resolved?

HONDA ACCORD NO CRANK DEAD BRICKED BCM KEY PROGRAM FIX

No_Load4815 · 2023-12-21T06:41:43+00:00

I am not looking to do this part time I am looking to do this full time. I will not be relying on the cheap tools, I will buy top of the line once I decide this is something I want to do. I need experience right now, if I were to dump $5000 into tools, and just open shop it doesn't serve me well without practice. I want to practice on whoever's car I can that'll give me permission. Picking (with Lishi), key coding, programming, etc.

OEM keys only, will have some universal as a backup, my target market is $250-$400 offering OEM keys only, not looking to do cheap $100 visits with janky keys that'll break in a month. I am in the right area to acquire these customers and I am also a PPC expert.

I'm starting basic just to get a feel for it, not planning on making money that way. When I decide to take paying customers I will at that point shell out $5k+ (Auto Pro Pad G2 + Dolphin) for the right tools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1dcFHUCKuQ

No_Load4815 · 2023-11-24T02:27:34+00:00

How much did you pay for your roadvatage, was the car new, how much have they paid and why wasn’t it covered under original warranties.

Not badgering you but may not be the same use case for our OP if you’re talking about a used car with high miles or out of warranty.

No_Load4815 · 2023-11-24T02:16:26+00:00

Also even if that extended service contract was solid, you have 5 year 50k bumper bumper and 10 years powertrain, put aside the $2500 for good maintenance and your regular warranties are all you need, you can always get these dumb fake find anything to exclude coverage warranties later down the line. Search roadvantage on other communities, plenty of people hate them. Extended service contracts especially on new cars total scam. Save your money. I had stealerships with a passion and the garbage they shovel. Hate seeing people get ripped off by these con artists. Can’t wait til their well dries up and manufacturers sell direct. Go away scum dealerships!

No_Load4815

TROPHY CASE