In both cases, you need to keep up with the latest tools and equipment to resolve your lock and key-related problems. A locksmith performs numerous tasks, including:

• Lock breaking
• Repairing old lock systems
• Installing new lock systems

Let us find out what tools you need to perform the locksmithing tasks efficiently. You can use some of these tools to fix foundations.

Basic Locksmith Tool Kit

The standard locksmith tool kit should have all the necessary equipment listed below:

1. Lock Picks

As a beginner locksmith, purchase a set of 9 different types of hand picks. Hand picks are the basic tool that every locksmith must possess. Various picks include:

• Diamond pick
• Rake
• Ball picks
• Basic hook pick

2. Tension Tools

Tension tools are the tools that keep pins from being pushed back down by springs on applying torque to lock plugs. Some tools that work best for increased torque and enhanced control include:

• Spring-loaded circular wrenches for applying controlled pressure to manipulate the locks.
• Feather touch tension wrenches for picking locks that require a delicate touch with precision.
• Everest locks tension wrenches for lifting pins of Schlage Everest cylinders found in door knobs.

3. Broken Key Extractors

Sometimes, when the keys become quite old and worn out, they can break and end up being stuck inside the lock. It is where the extractor scissors set comes into play. They have different configurations and can help remove broken keys jammed inside the keyhole. Whether you’re working as a residential or a commercial locksmith professional, broken key extractors can be quite helpful.

4. Lock Pick Gun

Many professional locksmiths use lock pick guns, also known. as locksmith’s guns, instead of traditional lock picks. These guns employ kinetic energy to level the pins of the lock. There are two types of lock pick guns.

• Snap Gun Lock Picks:

These lock picks have a trigger. You can level the lock pins by pulling this trigger.

• Electrical Lock Picks:

You just need to push a button to enable their functioning. However, using these lock picks is still not easy. You require:

• Practice and skill
• Hands-on experience

To ensure their quick and efficient working.

5. Key Machines

Key machines help make new or replicate keys for the new lock system or in place of lost keys. Technological advancements are changing these machines constantly. Therefore, you need to stay updated on the latest revolutionization regarding key machines.

6. Tweezers

Tweezers, as we all know, have formed ends for picking up things that are too small to pick with human hands. Foundation repair experts can also need them for picking micro objects like small pins.

7. Pry Bars

A pry bar or a crowbar is a metal tool with a wedged end used by professional locksmiths for:

• Removing nails
• Forcefully opening doors and window
• Extracting keys

Apart from assisting locksmiths in different tasks, pry bars also help you to fix foundations. In foundation repair, they are used for:

• Lifting concrete slabs
• Leveling and shimming

8. Laser Key Cutter and Duplicator

This machine is space-saving. Instead of keeping many machines for cutting and duplicating different types of keys, use a single machine for cutting:

• Standard keys
• Auto keys
• Barrel cut keys
• Dimple keys

9. Padlock Shims

Padlock shims or lock shims are flattered tools that assist in manipulating the mechanism of padlocks. They do so by twisting between the lock’s body and its hasp. You need to keep different sizes of shims because padlocks are available in different sizes.

10. Hand-held Scope

A hand-held scope with a strong beam of light helps you see well through the locksmithing tasks. They enlighten the tiny parts of locks that are otherwise difficult to observe. These lighting scopes can also be used when you fix foundations to inspect the signs of damage, such as gaps or cracks in the walls. 

11. Key Decoder

Locksmiths usually use key decoders for remaking an identical key if the key is lost or broken. A key decoder is basically a camera in the shape of a key that is inserted into the lock. It then takes a picture of the inside of the lock to determine the depth of the pins.

Safety Equipment for Locksmith Professionals

Locksmiths work for the security of people’s homes and belongings. A person who cares about others must also be taken care of. Therefore, you should wear personal protective equipment during your locksmithing tasks. We’re listing some safety equipment for professional locksmiths below:

1. Safety Gloves

Your hands need protection. Wear cut-resistant gloves to prevent:

• Abrasions on skin
• Cuts on nail beds
• Irritation from chemicals

Make sure that the gloves you use are good for gripping things so that they may not interfere with your work.

2. Safety Glasses

Locksmithing involves a lot of drilling work. So, use eye protection (e.g., safety goggles or face guards) to protect your eyes from:

• Wood splinters
• Metal shavings
• Dust and debris
• Fire sparks

3. Protective Boots

Wear boots with steel toes while working, as they keep your feet safe from heavy or sharp objects. You can also use safety trainers as an alternative. Trainers provide better sensations under feet while working.

4. Protective Clothing

Wear clothing that exposes the minimum of your skin. In this way, you can stay safe from cuts and abrasions. Such clothes cover your elbows and knees to reduce the chance of injuries when you bow or bend during your job. Elbow and knee caps can be used for fall protection.

5. Hearing Protection

Some locksmithing equipment, like drilling machines, generates a lot of noise. Wear PPE such as earmuffs, ear plugs, or headphones to avoid:

• Damage to eardrum
• Tinnitus
• Irreversible hearing loss

6. Face Masks

It is common to encounter airborne particles during locksmithing work. Use respiratory masks to avoid inhaling such harmful substances.

7. Hard Hat

Wear a hard hat to protect your head from:

• Low-hanging objects
• Falling objects

Conclusion

Locksmith professionals use different tools to ensure precision and accuracy in their work. These tools include lock picks, lock pick guns, broken key extractors, tension tools, and laser key cutters. Some locksmithing tools can also be used when you fix foundations, such as pry bars, lightning scope, and tweezers. Lastly, never forget to wear safety equipment while performing locksmithing tasks. Professional locksmiths use respiratory masks, face shields, earplugs, protective clothing, hard hats, and steel-toed boots to stay safe.