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The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (Complete Book of Locks & Locksmithing)
 
 
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The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (Complete Book of Locks & Locksmithing) [Paperback]

Bill Phillips
3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
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The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (Complete Book of Locks & Locksmithing) + Visual Guide to Lock Picking + Lock Picking Set C2010 22 Piece Slimline Lock Pick Set with FREE Easy Picking Booklet
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Product details

  • Paperback: 576 pages
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 6 edition (1 Oct 2005)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0071448292
  • ISBN-13: 978-0071448291
  • Product Dimensions: 23.9 x 18.4 x 4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 111,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • See Complete Table of Contents

More About the Author

Bill Phillips
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Product Description

Product Description

Whether you want to learn lockpicking or locksmithing, or choose locks that are virtually impossible to defeat, this classic will meet your needs. The top reference in the field since 1976, this book is perfect for everyone from beginners who want to master techniques step by illustrated step, to pros who need an up-to-date, comprehensive shop manual. The Sixth Edition features: • Complete, illustrated coverage from a master locksmith. • Techniques and tips for lockpicking and fixing. • Safe opening and servicing techniques. • Coverage of electronic and high-security mechanical locks. • Auto lock opening and servicing how-tos. • An all-new Registered Locksmith test. • How to conduct a home security survey • How to start and run a locksmithing business, or get hired as a locksmith.

From the Back Cover

Featuring an all-new test for the RPL exam!

THE MOST COMPLETE LOCKSMITHING GUIDE YOU CAN FIND
Whether you want to learn lockpicking or locksmithing -- or want to choose locks that are virtually impossible to defeat -- Bill Phillips' classic The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing is perfect. For years the top reference in the field, this book suits everyone from beginners who want to master techniques step by illustrated step, to pros who need an up-to-date, all-inclusive shop manual. This an insider's guide to every facet of the world of mechanical security.

Great for independent or classroom study, the Sixth Edition features:

  • Comprehensive illustrated coverage from a master locksmith
  • The perfect tool for teaching yourself lockpicking and lock fixing
  • Buying and selling safes
  • Coverage of electronic and high-security mechanical locks
  • Auto lock opening and servicing how-to's
  • Lockmaking instructions
  • An all new registered professional locksmith exam
  • Lists of tool and equipment sources
  • PLUS NEW instruction on key impressioning; home security surveys; getting hired as a locksmith; testing your knowledge; and running a locksmith business

"It's hard to find technical details on this subject: locksmiths are relatively close-mouthed about the craft of their trade. Laypeople to professionals will thus find this a winning reference: it covers all types of locks and keys from old-fashioned to modern electromagnetic locks and vending machines, providing the basics of locksmithing and different system operations." -- Midwest Book Review, on a previous edition

EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT LOCKS AND THE BUSINESS OF LOCKS
* A short history of the Lock * Types of Locks and Keys * Warded Locks * Lever Tumbler Locks * Disc Tumbler Locks * Pin Tumbler Locks * High-Security Mechanical Locks * Lockpicking * Key Impressioning * Masterkeying * Detention Locks and Hardware * Buying and Selling Safes * Keyed Padlocks * Home and Business Services * Auxiliary Door Locks * Office Locks * Automobile Locks * Emergency Entry * Combination Locks * Electricity for Locksmiths * Electrical Access and Exit Control Systems * Key Duplicating Machines * Test Your Knowledge * Making Locks by Hand * Conducting a Home Security Survey * Getting Hired as a Locksmith * Starting and Running a Locksmithing Business * Answers to Frequently Asked Questions * Appendices: Lock and Safe Manufacturers; Locksmith Suppliers' Profiles and Addresses; Miscellaneous Important Addresses/Phone Numbers; Plug Follower and Holder Diameters for Popular Locks * Glossary


Inside This Book (Learn More)
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First Sentence
This chapter traces the development of the lock from earliest times to the present, focusing on the most important models. Read the first page
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Concordance
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
83 of 83 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is certainly a weighty book, and has plenty of useful information, but I would not say it was a "COMPLETE Book of Locks and Locksmithing". A rather boastful claim in the diverse world of centuries of security.
Some of the problem may be because it is patriotically American. I am sure if you were setting up your locksmithing business in the USA this could well be a book you need. The sample tests are for Registered Professional Locksmith certification in the USA, and just about all the contact addresses are in the USA.
However it does not appear to cover many other lock makers in the rest of the world. For example the book does not acknowledge the large sectors of the security market British based firms like Chubb, Union, Securefast, Yale(International), Pheonix, Milner, Guardian... have in the past and still contribute to. The name Willenhall (Home of British lockmaking)only appears once. I admit I am biased being British, and prefering to work with British products. Naturally there are other lock makers in the rest of the world not covered either.
The automotive section is mostly US cars such as Chrysler, Mustang, Cougar, GMC..., and does not include locking developments such as radial keys.
Some of the techniques used daily by many locksmiths are not covered such as 'shimming', or appear incomplete (maybe for security reasons). Other techniques described do not seem to work as well as Mr. Phillips makes them sound, but with practice they may become easier.
The book mostly concentrates on pin tumbler locks, and can seem rather dismissive of lever and warded locks, which there are still alot around. They still need maintenance, even if they are only retained for cosmetic reasons on old ornate doors.
All this said I will give credit it is a fair attempt to cover at depth, some aspects of an enormous subject. I will keep this book as a useful resource, filling in many gaps, and getting other slants on the subject. However I will not be getting rid of any of my other locksmithing resources so I truly get a bit more COMPLETE picture of locksmithing. So take the word 'complete'loosely and subjective, if anyone is trying to sell you some apparent 'cure all'.
Judge for yourself.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By BigMarl
Format:Paperback
I thought this was a good book on locksmithing, but lacked some ultra-basic detail necessary if you are a beginner. It had plenty of diagrams and pictures, but lacked some of the simpler 'how-does-this-lock-work' type ones in some areas. The text seems pretty comprehensive, and is aimed at somebody setting up a small business as a locksmith. If I were in this group, I think I would have given it 5 stars as it covers about every aspect of this you could imagine.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An interesting read and very useful for a general background. By no means "The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing" however if you keep that in mind the graphics and explanations are good.
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