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Open Key Locksmiths :
From Picking-up Waste to Picking Locks
» IT ’ S INTERESTING HOW PERSONAL experiences can help shape new journeys and steer you towards different trades ( such as locksmithing ). This is what happened to Josh De Asha from Open Key Locksmiths , Liverpool , whose interest in locksmithing came about from actually being locked out himself , and being fed-up picking-up illegal waste .
How did your locksmithing journey begin ?
Well , I got locked out and had to call a locksmith ! I thought it looked like an interesting career and I liked the idea of working for myself and being my own boss . This led me to learn some basic openings from a locksmith but , these were mainly destructive methods , I didn ’ t feel confident on some of the more higher security locks , and so I left the trade and stared working for the council . Then by chance I crossed paths with another locksmith who offered me some work but needed non-destructive skills – Ben pointed me in the direction of Fortress Locksmith Training in Blackburn whom I did my first 10-day course with . Then I did some one-to-one courses with other locksmiths including Spencer James at SJP Locksmiths , where I learned more details on UPVC side of things – windows , hinges , composite door fitting and adjustments . I ’ ve also done specialist training with Jason Hillier at Hickleys and completed Mark Ward ’ s bump key course .
Tell us about life before locksmithing
Before I became a locksmith , I worked for the council working in their fly tipping team . I basically worked on a tipper truck with a cage on it , picking up all the fly tipping waste from the surrounding area . I craved to be selfemployed and self-sufficient in a trade that offered more of a challenge and flexibility .
What do you like about being a locksmith ?
I like being my own boss , no two days are the same - unlike my time on the fly tipping truck which was monotonous when I think about it . I find locksmithing satisfying , helping out people who are locked outside their homes . They ’ re always so appreciative which makes me feel proud – it ’ s like my work has saved their day . Lost key jobs are my favourite by far , and picking cylinders , it makes me feel like a wizard – getting back inside and magicking their keys back !
My advice to new locksmiths I would advise to have some money behind you before you start . Learn what you can , but always commit to learn more and do more training to widen your knowledge . You can have a busy manic week followed by a quiet week . I hate turning down work when I don ’ t have the required skill – such as roller shutter doors and auto locksmithing . I plan to do
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NOVEMBER 2024
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