Last Updated on September 9, 2024
Best Key Cutting Machine | Auto Programming Tool | Van Shelving | Hand Tools | Recommended Starter Tool Kit | YouTube Video of Tools | Optional – Recommended for Shops | FAQ
Two of the first decisions you need to make before starting a locksmith business are how much are going to have to invest in tools, and which tools are you going to need to buy. This article will help you determine both of those things.
The tools needed to start a locksmith business are key cutting machines (for key origination and duplication), software for key code retrieval, lock picks to bypass locks, and a variety of hand tools for installation and repair. The total locksmith business startup cost for tools and equipment will run $10,000-12,000.
As you grow your skill set, and start offering additional services, additional tools will be needed.
When you decide to start your locksmith business, you will first need to decide if you are going to be a mobile-only locksmith (you have no locks shop and only serve customers at their locations) or if you will have both mobile locksmith service and a lock shop / storefront.
Though there is considerable overlap, but the tools needed for each are slightly different. In general though, the equipment in a mobile vehicle is a subset of the equipment in a shop.
Key Cutting
Keys and the key cutting equipment have come a long way. Twenty years ago you just needed one machine to cut nearly every key there was. But then things started changing. Automotive keys switched to high-security keys, where they are milled down the middle of the key. These keys require a new milling machine to cut.
Some car manufacturers introduced Tibbe keys which required add-on tool cutting devices or a new machine altogether. Dimple keys are a form of high security, they have little dimples drilled into the side of the key, and that was another add-on tool or machine required to cut the key. And then there are barrel keys. Yep, another tool.
Advance Laser Key Cutter and Duplicator – The Miracle A9
The Miracle A9 / SEC E9 (price on Alibaba) is one tool that can cut ALL OF THESE KEYS. There’s just one catch, you have to purchase numerous jaws to handle everything so it can get expensive (a jaw holds a specific type of key so it can be cut properly), but it is still much less than buying key-specific cutting machines. Some restricted keys, for example Mul-t-lock, will still require their machine if you decide to specialize in high security, restricted key systems.
The Miracle A9 / SEC E9 allows you to cut key by code for key origination (when no key is available) and to cut duplicate keys. Swapping the jaws out of the machine can take a few minutes. For mobile service this isn’t that bad since you will most likely be cutting similar keys at every job site and switching the jaws infrequently.
For shop work though, this can slow you down tremendously especially when you are busy. For this reason, we always have the more traditional machines available in our shops (a basic key duplicator, laser key duplicate and barrel key machine). We use the A9 in our shop to cut Tibbe keys and laser cut keys.
For a mobile locksmith business this key cutting tool will save a lot of space. It is replacing three other machines so you save space that can then be used as additional work space or to carry, thus sell, more products.
The US version of this machine is the Miracle A9 and it runs over $5,000 for the key cutter with basic jaws. But I found it on AliExpress for about half that! Check the latest price on AliExpress.
AliExpress is China’s version of Amazon. It can take several weeks to get the product, and customer support is extremely limited, but you save a ton of money, which can be important when starting a business.
In my opinion SEC E9 is the most essential piece of locksmith equipment.
If the price of the Miracle A9 / SEC E9 still scares you off. You can get by with the three more traditional machines (a basic key duplicator, laser key duplicate and barrel key machine) instead of the Miracle A9 / SEC E9. We’ve listed those below as optional because they really aren’t needed in a mobile locksmith vehicle when you are using the Miracle A9 / SEC E9, but they do benefit a locksmith shop because you can cut keys more quickly and you’ll always have a spare machine if one goes down.
Advantages of the Miracle A9 / SEC E9:
- One machine does it all and saves valuable van space.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive. Between $2500 and $5500 for the base product before you add on the extra jaws needed to do all of the key blanks.
- If you don’t have backup key cutters and the Miracle A9 / SEC E9 goes down, you are shut down for business until you get it fixed.
Key Code Conversion Software
Codes are available to cut many keys. A lot of locks will have a code stamped on them and that’s how the code is found. For automotive locksmithing, the VIN of the vehicle is often used, with an outside service, to provide you with the key code.
Once you have the key code, you need software to convert it to the actual cuts that are on the key. This is the security step, a key code is useless if you don’t have the software to translate it to the cuts needed.
The Miracle A9 can be programmed with the cuts so that a key can be made when no key is available. There is also a very common locksmith machine, the HPC Blitz, that does the same thing manually (details below).
We use software called Genericode to handle the code translation for us. Another great source, with a subscription, is Lock Codes Online.
Car Key Programming Equipment
If you will be cutting car keys, you will need specific tools for car key programming. Modern car keys need to be programmed into a car by a locksmith or dealer so that the key will start and continue to run the vehicle. Without it, the car will stall after a few seconds.
Advanced Diagnostics
The most common tool for car key programming is made by Advanced Diagnostics. They offer several tools: T-Code Pro, MVP Pro, Smart Pro.
These are VERY expensive pieces of equipment ($3,000 to $6000). AND once you buy them, you need to purchase tokens to use them. Each time you try to program a car, you use a token. When you run out of tokens, you’ll need to buy more. The benefit of the Advanced Diagnostic tools is that they are widely used and well supported. Even though we don’t use their tools, due to pricing and ongoing expenses, most locksmiths do.
KeylessRide – HotWire
The Hotwire by KeylessRide is an excellent programmer capable of programming all but the recent German vehicles (all of which require specialized equipment).
What separates this from the Advanced Diagnostics is that for a monthly fee you can program as many car keys as you need to, and you get all of the coding updates as new cars roll out.
It is a much more affordable option if you plan on programming more than a few cars per month.
Budget Key Programmers
There are less expensive options and a great way to start into auto key programming business without spending a lot of money upfront. With the internet and access to resellers all over the world, you can pick up simple key programmers for just a few hundred bucks.
These are limited in their coverage so you need to understand which cars they will program and which they will not. Most will handle pre-2014 models. If you buy two or three different tools, you can get pretty good car programming coverage for a few hundred dollars and have no token fees (no ongoing fees).
We’ve had good luck with the CK100, check pricing on Amazon. The CK100 is for car keys only. We’ve also had success with the SKP900 (see it on AliExpress). The SKP900 is a bit harder to use, but it is one of the lower priced car key programmers that allows you to program keys and remotes.
The only problem I have found with the import tools is that they have zero customer support and practically zero documentation. Some of them require a thorough knowledge of cars to use them.
For example, a good key programming tool will walk you through the programming of a specific vehicle after inputting the year make and model of the car. The inexpensive ones will not do this. Rather, you need to know what type of system is installed in the car and choose that system (this is the SKP900 method) to start the programming. Without a great understanding of car locksmithing, they are difficult to use.
Once you have the tools needed to program car keys, some vehicles will require a special PIN code to continue with the programming. Those PINs can be provided through many online services. Chrysler is a good example of cars that need PIN codes to program.
Van & Shelving for the Mobile Locksmith
First, let’s address the van. There are full size, and then there are the newer smaller vans you see around such as the Dodge ProMaster City or Ford Transits. We’ve converted almost our entire locksmith service fleet to smaller work vans.
Unfortunately, starting in 2022 the smaller vans are being phased out and full size vans may be your only option going forward.
Still, the larger vehicles allow you to carry more product, and that’s valuable. If you are going to do safe deliveries or safe moves, a larger van or truck will be needed to haul the safe. Think about your needs then decide on the right vehicle for you.
Outfitting your van is a personal preference. We recommend a work space (countertop) and as much storage as you can fit into it. You’ll need your van measurements and you can pick up much of what you need online.
Adrian Steel also makes some nice systems that are prepackaged for the locksmith industry. These prepackaged systems are set up based on the type of vehicle you have, so you know they will fit. Ebay has them with good pricing.
We’ve always custom made our vehicles using the Adrian Steel products, but the kits are a great and easy way to get started.
Misc. Locksmith Hand Tools
Door Lock Install Kit
For fresh installation of door hardware. Our locksmiths like the Dewalt installation kit at Home Depot. It works well on wood and steel doors.
This is not a commercial grade lock installation kit. If you are doing fresh installs of locks frequently you have two choices. Upgrade to a more professional kit (like this one on Amazon) or the Kwikset 138 installation kit also on Amazon.
These are aluminum kits that will last a lifetime but their price reflects that. You can go through 10 of the Dewalt kits before reaching the price of one of these professional kits and we just find it easier to replace them as needed.
Hand Drills
Our locksmiths are also vans of the Dewalt drills. We once tried to switch to Ryobi but their batteries failed so often that they ended up being much more expensive. Dewalt just builds a good drill that lasts and lasts. Dewalt has a 20V package kit with 2 batteries, and both standard and an impact drill, making it a real bargain on Home Depot’s website.
Tubular Picks
Tubular picks have one cool thing about them. Once you pick the tubular lock open, you then use the pick to cut a tubular key (see optional equipment below). The best deals on these are at AliExpress
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Pick Gun and Pick Set:
Which you rely on will depend on preference, but it’s good to have both and both can be found at great prices on AliExpress.
Vice
A vice is critical for key impressioning (making a key when no key is available) to hold the key while it is being filed into shape. A smaller one is sufficient for a van. Get a beefy one for you lock shop. They come in very handy. A vice that rotates like this Vice on Amazon is ideal because you can also get into a good position to do your work.
Stay away from the really flimsy vises that have a ball joint. This makes them difficult to stay in one position when filing a key.
Optional Tools & Equipment for Shops
Most of the following are key cutting machines. As mentioned earlier for van worktop space, one machine that does it all is best. But backups are important. If your one machine goes down, your locksmith business will be dead in the water without backups. For mobile-only locksmith vans, just keep the backups available in your garage. If you need one, you will have it and can put the backup key machine in your van until your main equipment is repaired.
Backup Key Duplicator
We love the Rytan key duplicator. It is the backup duplicator in all of our shops and the main duplicator in our lock service vans for those who don’t have the E9 yet.
We like the Rytan 200 for its 4-way jaws allowing it to cut auto and most any standard key blank. It is as heavy duty as it gets and they offer good customer support. These are getting difficult to find online from anyone other than a locksmith supplier. We have seen them on eBay before.
But, there are much less expensive options that can still serve you well if you are just using them as a backup. Those offered on AliExpress and eBay are less than a few hundred dollars.
We do like the Defu key cutters you can get on AliExpress as a budget backup cutter. You can see that they are not nearly as heavy duty as the Rytan key machine, but they’ll due until you can afford a Rytan.
Backup Laser Key Duplicator
The same thing applies to laser key duplicators. If you have a shop, get a good heavy duty one. If you are mobile, a light duty one should suffice.
Why not a backup laser-cut, high-security key originator? Why just a duplicator? Because laser cut key origination equipment is the most expensive. If you wanted a backup of that, you’d just get another Miracle A9 / SEC E9.
For an inexpensive laser key cutter the Defu 368A on AliExpress is the way to go again. It’s duplicated every laser cut key we’ve tried with it. It is not heavy duty, but for an affordable high security key duplicator, it is a great little machine for around $200.
Tubular Key Cutter
Another key cutter we found at a great price using AliExpress. Wenxing 423A Tubular Key Cutter. We were using another product that cost 5X as much. When that died, we found this one. It seems every bit as well built as the more expensive version and we’ve had no problems with it. Buy it from AliExpress for great pricing. These often sell out in the 120V version, but we ordered the 240v in our latest shop and use a voltage transformer from Amazon to run it without issue from a 120v outlet.
HPC Blitz Key by Code Cutting Machine
This recommendation is debatable nowadays. Although we have these in every lock shop we have and on every lock service van, it is incredibly expensive now that we know we can get the Miracle A9 / SEC E9 for less.
But this key by code (making a key when no key is available) tool has been such a workhorse for us over the years that I ended up putting it on the list.
It is built from heavy duty material and should it ever fail, their support team services and returns them quickly. The main issue is that it costs more than the SEC E9 does. However, because of the quality of the build and it being a purely mechanical key cutter, you’ll get years of use out of it and it is a reliable backup. See if eBay has one.
Car Opening Set
Wait, you’re telling me a car opening set is optional? Yes, I am. Car opening used to be a significant part of a locksmith business. But nowadays, it’s not. It comprises less than 5% of our overall business.
If you are going to originate keys for cars and that car is locked, this is a quick way to get in. And if you do want to perform the service, you need the tools. Basic car opening kits can be found on many sites very affordably.
The most important tool you’ll need to be sure is in the kit (or buy it separately to add to you kit) is a long reach tool. This tool is required for many cars but is more expensive than some entire car opening kits so many don’t include it. You can find it on eBay for a good price.
Belt Sander
A miscellaneous tool for sure, but they come in very handy. There are tens of thousands of key blanks and your lock shop can’t stock them all. Many times someone will come into a shop and you will have a blank that is just a little too long, or a little too wide, but otherwise it’s perfect.
Belt sanders allow you to make changes to the key so that it can be used when an exact match is not found. In my experience having both the wheel sander and belt sander attached as one unit is very useful. Because it is not used often, a light duty sander is perfect and affordable, like this sander at Home Depot.
Locksmith Starter Kit
Since posting this article, I’ve been asked numerous times to provide an essential list of locksmith equipment for those just starting out. This is my list.
This locksmith starter kit will not let you run 100% of every call that comes your way, but it will give you enough coverage to build cash flow and save for the more expensive, enduring pieces of equipment we’ve discussed. For more information on these items, read the sections above.
An HPC Blitz Key by Code Cutter – See if eBay has one.
You are going to need to cut keys by code and since this is a mobile only business, you need something built very tough. This is it. It will enable you to cut all keys by code except for the high security blanks.
High Security Key Blank Duplicate, from AliExpress.
This essential locksmith starter kit will not allow you to originate high-security car keys by code, but it will allow you to duplicate them, and that is the bulk of the work.
Key Duplication Machine Defu 2As – from AliExpress
This is an affordable key duplicator for both automotive keys and standard keys. You will likely upgrade to the Rytan 200 at some point, but this will get you started.
If you’re going to do car keys – An inexpensive CK100 car key programmer, from Amazon.
This isn’t going to be able to handle new vehicles, but luckily most people with a newer vehicle have both car keys. It’s the older vehicles that have been resold that are missing the keys. As a starter locksmith tool, to get into car programming, this is a good way to begin without a lot of expense.
Car Opening Kit With Long Reach Tool – Available on Ebay.
You will need the long reach so stay away from kits that don’t have one.
A Basic Lock Installation Jig – Available at Home Depot
This is the one most of my drivers still use. At this price point, when it wears out just buy another.
A pick gun and pick set – Available on Ebay
If you’re just starting out, get a pick set that comes with a practice lock.
Cordless Dewalt Drills, on Home Depot. Get the drill, impact drill and 2 battery 20v packages. They’re a bargain.
Hand Tool Kit, at Home Depot.
Your locksmith starter kit is going to need a basic tool kit, this one or another, that has the tools and driver bits that are most commonly used. Everything in this kit except for the saw, is essential. Throw into this kit a wide selection of standard and Philips screwdrivers, you’re going to need them.
Dremel Kit
You will be using this a lot, even in the beginning, so get a decent one at Home Depot.
Vice, from Home Depot.
You will need a vice. Get one with at least a 4″ flat steel pad for stamping keys.
Steel stamp kit, from Amazon.
Allows you to label keys for customers and stamp “DND” if you’re not buying keys prestamped.
Video: What You Need to be a Locksmith
What tools does a locksmith use?FAQ
What is the Total Locksmith Business Startup Cost?
It is typical to spend $10,000-12,000 on tools to fully outfit a van for a mobile locksmith business. That includes advanced key cutting equipment, shelving and base-line initial inventory. But what are the tools? We’ll show you.
Where is the Best Place to Buy Locksmith Equipment / Tools?
One of our new favorites is the online site Alibaba. Their key cutting machine prices are simply fantastic. For things they don’t carry, a lock distributor usually provides the best price. In this article we show our favorite products and where you can buy them.
Are the Tools Needed for a Lock Shop Different than those for a Mobile Locksmith?
The van is a subset of the tools your shop should have. There are additional tools and equipment you will want to have in your shop. Primarily to ensure that your shop always stays running there are a number of inexpensive backup machines that are beneficial.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Ebay and AliExpress Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.