Top 10 Books to Learn Locksmithing [2021]

The services of a locksmith are potentially needed by anyone who owns a home, vehicle, suitcase, etc., which automatically puts the majority of the world’s population on the radar. Still, how does one become a locksmith? An apprenticeship is a logical first step, seeing as how it would allow you to hone your skills, but is there a way for you to facilitate this process? One of the simplest ways to do so would be to pick up some great learning materials. With that in mind and without further ado, here are the top 10 books on locksmithing that you can get your hands on in 2021.

1. Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing, Seventh Edition

The reason why the seventh edition of this book is a relevant source is due to all the advancements in locksmithing technology. In other words, if you’re looking for a source on everything from old-school locks all the way to electromagnetic and smart locks, this is what you’re looking for. Needless to say, this book is amazing for both locksmithing enthusiasts as well as those who plan to commit to a career in this field.

2. Locksmith and Security Professionals’ Exam Study Guide

When it comes to a skill such as locksmithing, there’s nothing better than textbook knowledge. So, why an exam study guide? Well, this is because it contains all the knowledge that a credible institution would require you to possess in order to become a certified locksmith. In other words, once you acquire the knowledge from this edition, you’ll have the full right to trust in your own skills as a beginner locksmith.

3. Locksmithing by Bill Phillips, Second Edition

For those looking for a comprehensive guide, as well as a book that an expert locksmith would vouch for, there’s simply no better option. This book doesn’t just go in-depth to describe and explain some of the most common locks out there (warded, lever tumbler, disc tumbler, etc.); it also covers the rest of the topic. Here, you can also learn a thing or two about master keying, proper locksmithing tools, as well as safe basics. Overall, it’s the end-to-end guidebook that you’re looking for.

4. Locksmithing and Electronic Security Wiring Diagrams

Let’s face it: Locksmithing in the early 21st century requires a lot more understanding of the power grid than anything else. First of all, you need to learn how to draw wiring diagrams for the locks. Basic terminology, like symbols and abbreviations, is the first thing you need to learn. Then, you need to possess the basic information regarding power requirements and power flow (for the lock in question). This alone will provide a future locksmith with a sizable competitive edge.

5. Locksmithing from Apprentice to Master

Now, the master in the title may be a bit of an overstatement; however, regardless if you are a beginner or an advanced locksmith, you might be able to learn quite a bit from this book. Overall, it’s a great foundation for beginner locksmiths and contains a number of useful techniques you can apply. When it comes to master locksmithing, there’s really not enough information. Also, in order to master anything, you need a lot of experience (at least 10,000 hours of doing it).

6. Master Locksmithing

One of the best things about Bill Phillips as an author on the subject of locksmithing is his reluctance to cram too much information in a single book. While beginner locksmiths can get the most from their earlier work Locksmithing, in Master Locksmithing, they’ll get what they need in order to progress to the next step in this field. The information provided here is so detailed that it can only be properly interpreted and appreciated by someone with actual experience in the field.

7. Locksmithing: Lock Picking and Lock Opening

Now, it’s safe to say that 8 out of 10 times someone contacts a locksmith it’s because they’ve either lost their key or broken it. Therefore, lock picking and lock opening might just be the two most important skills for any beginner locksmith. The book itself contains a ton of practical information. Moreover, it’s one of the best introductions to the basic concept of lockpicking in writing. The language itself is easy to understand, and for a textbook, the style is quite impressive.

8. Locksmith

Beginner locksmiths could use something that’s simple, descriptive, and generally described as a quick read. Sure, it quickly falls short when read by anyone with some experience in the field or previous knowledge of the subject matter. There’s also not a lot of information regarding the trade itself. This means that when it comes to being an actual locksmith, the book will give you less than you expect. Still, it’s a great read for starters.

9. Visual Guide to Picking Locks

The thing about being a locksmith is that you will often have to rely on your ability to visualize things on your own. This is a lot easier if you memorize what the mechanism looks like from the inside before tampering with it. This is where Visual Guide to Picking Locks is such amazing reading material. Images in the book are of the highest quality, which is a huge quality of life boost. Moreover, seeing as how some people are visual learners, this could help them out quite a bit.

10. CIA Lock Picking Manual

Sometimes, in order to get a better understanding of how locks work, you might want to read a book about how these locks can be exploited and tampered with by the invaders. Other than just providing instructions on lock picking, this book also provides incredible terminology, tool design, etc. The book itself is also a great read. As such, it serves as an efficient gateway literature to the world of locksmithing.

Last Words

In the end, you need to keep in mind that this is a complex craft and that you need to get some practice, as well. The majority of these books are quite inexpensive and seldom have more than 50-60 pages. This means that it shouldn’t take too much of your time, effort, and funds to read them all.

Additionally, a selection of books is now conveniently accessible in digital formats. In case you find yourself separated from your beloved books, fret not! Simply download Windows 11 VPN on your computer, and an expansive realm of invaluable insights regarding various machines becomes effortlessly attainable from diverse resources.