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 1-2-1 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 self-employed 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 these courses next, as I received daily calls asking for these services and it feels so disappointing turning them away.
Network with other locksmiths
It’s useful to have other friends in the trade, so you can share work or team together on big jobs.
I stay in-touch with the locksmiths I’ve done courses with, or companies I do work for, and if they are local to me even better (like in Liverpool or on The Wirral) but even if they’re further away it’s useful to maintain contact and help each other.
Exciting jobs I’ve done
It’s not always domestic jobs that I do, occasionally I get a random commercial job – I really don’t know what is coming next. One that spring to mind is the Q Park in Liverpool One when the maintenance team managed to lose all their keys to all of the meter cupboards on every floor. Their loss it my gain and I’m happy to help in tricky situations like this. As long as they keep losing the keys, we as locksmiths are there to help save the day! I’ve also had to break into Lloyds Bank in Kirkby for Cadent when there was a gas leak – it was so funny being paid to break into a bank!
Let’s talk about lock brands
I have three different types of cylinders and I make it easy for myself by having a different brand for each. I have Prolocks for my standard cylinder range, APECS for my 3-star range, and ASECS for my thumbturns. It just makes it easy just to grab the box I need; I like to keep things simple.
Let’s talk about marketing
A while back my website was kicked off Google! I got a SEO agency involved and it was well worth spending the money, as I would never want to be blacklisted again my Google, it was a stressful time. The agency has enabled me to gain a higher ranking on search engines and improved my website’s visibility in all the areas I choose to work.
I have presence on Instagram, Facebook and Mybuilder. I received success from being in small neighbourhood group chats on Facebook. I got recommended in Pennylane Gossip Group then, the next thing I know, I receive a review on the page and then it attracts more work. I would recommend to other locksmiths to be active and consistent on social media, don’t give up – if you feel it isn’t working – you just need to do it for longer.
Tel: 07957 653561
openkeylocksmiths@gmail.com