The 2026 Auto Locksmith Starter Checklist
A simple, proven list of the exact tools you need to get started, saving you hours of research and thousands of dollars on equipment you do not need.
Dear fellow Lockie,
One of the most common questions I get asked from people who want to start an auto locksmith business is -
"What equipment do I need?"
"How much is it going to cost me?"
I decided to put together a simple checklist that you can use as a guide when starting out.
You don't have to buy the EXACT equipment I recommend - do your research and find what suits your budget.
But you can use this as a guide, after all, it works for me, so it can work for you - no matter what country you're in - it's all the same principles.
I have tried to include as many tips as possible to suit people with all different budget levels...
It can feel stressful at first, laying out a lot of money at once on something you are not yet familiar with.
I felt the same way when I started. I did not have much in savings, so I had to finance my equipment.
What I quickly found was that once the paid jobs started coming in and I began to see real profit, it was all worth it.
Auto locksmithing has a higher barrier to entry, meaning it is more difficult and expensive to start an auto locksmith business compared to a standard domestic home service business.
But this is a good thing. It means fewer people are willing to put in the effort, which allows you to capture more market share and earn significantly more than domestic locksmiths.
Keep in mind that every piece of equipment you buy is there to make you money, so focus on long-term gains rather than short-term cost.
You need to be patient and understand that you will experience some ups and downs in the beginning. Eventually, everything will smooth out, and you will be operating like a well-oiled machine.
If you have savings, or money in the bank, that is great.
You will not need to pay interest on loans, credit cards, or overdrafts.
If you are not fortunate enough to have savings, you can do what I did when I first got into auto locksmithing. You can finance the equipment or take out a small loan.
You may also consider borrowing from friends or family.
Whatever route you choose, just make sure you can comfortably handle the repayments. Obvious, I know, but important.
For example, if your monthly loan repayment is $350 and your vehicle and website costs are $100 per month, you will need to make at least $500 in your first month just to cover your costs.
This is easily achievable. Each lost car key job typically earns around $300, which means you only need two jobs within 30 days to be up and running.
And remember, as your website starts to rank in the search engines, word of mouth spreads, and your reputation grows, your workload will continue to increase until you eventually start turning jobs away due to lack of time.
If you are in the US and need to borrow money for your equipment, I recommend the company below. They have been very helpful for many of our students, even those with poor credit, and approvals can be fast for amounts up to $50,000, with funds often deposited the next day.
IMy advice to startup locksmiths is to think small.
It may sound strange, but if you go out and purchase every gadget and machine available, it will not only cost you a fortune, it will also leave you overwhelmed.
Try to stick to a minimal kit when starting out and build from there.
Only purchase new tools when you personally have a demand for them, not simply because someone recommends them.
The kit I list below is more than enough to get you started in this business.
IF YOU HAVE LESS THAN $5,000 TO INVEST
If you have less than $5,000 to start, I recommend beginning by offering a gain entry service.
You can start by purchasing Lishi picks, listed below, and slowly build from there by offering car lockout services only.
This is actually a great way to practice, and here is why.
Most of the skill involved in auto locksmithing lies in picking. Once you master this, the rest becomes far more straightforward.
By the time you expand into offering a full lost car key service, you will be well practiced and confident in this core skill.
IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN $10,000 TO INVEST
If you have, or can access, more than $10,000, you are in a strong position to get started.
The kit I list below should be affordable, and you will be able to set yourself up without issues.
When purchasing a key cutting machine or key programmer, check with the supplier to see if they offer technical support in case you get stuck on a job.
The companies listed below have been very supportive of beginners, and many of them offer a discount on your first purchase.
KeySolved
Approx Price: $20/m
Often called the “GPS for Locksmiths”, KeySolved takes the guesswork out of every job.
Simply search by make, model, and year, and instantly get everything you need to know before you even start.
You’ll see:
• Required parts
• Compatible key programmers
• OBD port locations
• Correct Lishi tools
• Step-by-step key programming instructions
• Real-world tips from working locksmiths
No more second-guessing. No more wasted time on-site.
If you’re serious about working as an auto locksmith, KeySolved is an essential tool.
Classic Lishi 32 Pieces Set – 100% Original Lishi Pick Set with FREE Toolbox
Approx Price: $800.00
These original Lishi tools are a game-changer for automotive lock picking.
They are designed to make car lockouts and lost car key jobs much faster, easier, and far less stressful.
These are non-negotiable, as you will use them to not only open the lock but also decode it, so you can cut a brand new key.
This means less time on each job, fewer mistakes, and more successful callouts.
This resource has the most competitive prices and worldwide FREE shipping.
YOUR 10% OFF SPECIAL CODE: 23ea_10
Lishi Desktop Locksmith Training Vice
Approx Price: $45
This training vice is designed to help you practice properly and build real confidence before working on live jobs.
It securely holds automotive and cabinet locks in place, allowing you to focus fully on developing your picking skills without distractions.
Regular practice is one of the most important parts of becoming a successful auto locksmith.
This vice lets you slow things down, learn how locks truly feel, and build muscle memory in a stress-free environment. The more time you spend practising, the faster and more confident you will be on real callouts.
Its adjustable design makes it easy to work with different lock types, helping you sharpen your technique and reduce mistakes when it matters most.
YOUR 10% OFF SPECIAL CODE: 23ea_10
XHORSE Dolphin XP005 XP-005 Key Cutting Machine With M5 Clamp and Built-in Battery
Approx Price: $2,000
This compact, easy-to-use key cutting machine is designed to take the stress out of lost key jobs.
Its lightweight, portable design means you can carry it anywhere and work comfortably, even on roadside or emergency callouts.
With simple app-based control from your phone or tablet, you can cut keys with confidence, even if you are not highly technical.
The process is smooth, fast, and reliable, helping you complete jobs quicker and with fewer mistakes.
It is built for real-world locksmith work, delivering clean, accurate cuts that save time and reduce wasted blanks.
The built-in battery lets you keep working even when power is not available, so you are never stuck turning a customer away.
From everyday car keys to more complex lost-key situations, this machine gives you the confidence to say yes to more jobs, work more efficiently, and earn more with less hassle.
MaxiIM IM508S Car Key Programmer
Approx Price: $2,000
The Autel IM508S is a powerful yet beginner-friendly key programming tool designed to make complex jobs feel simple and stress free.
It helps you handle key programming and immobiliser work with confidence, even if you are still gaining experience.
With its guided Smart Mode, the tool walks you step by step through each process, so you always know what to do next.
This dramatically reduces mistakes, saves time on jobs, and removes the anxiety that often comes with advanced vehicle systems.
The IM508S covers a wide range of vehicles from the US, Europe, and Asia, allowing you to say yes to more callouts and expand your services without needing multiple tools.
It is especially useful for lost key situations, helping you get customers back on the road quickly and professionally.
Built for reliability and everyday use, it delivers dealership-level results without the complexity or high learning curve.
Backed by strong warranty and support, it gives you peace of mind knowing you are investing in a tool that will grow with your business.
For Stocks Such As Key Banks And Remotes:
UNITED KINGDOM SUPPLIERS:
US, CAN, AUS + WORLDWIDE:
This Will Give You A Good 70% - 90% Coverage Of The Market
Classic Lishi 102 Pieces Full Set – 100% Original Lishi Pick Set with FREE Toolbox
Approx Price: $2,500
These original Lishi tools are a game-changer for automotive lock picking.
They are designed to make car lockouts and lost car key jobs much faster, easier, and far less stressful.
These are non-negotiable, as you will use them to not only open the lock but also decode it, so you can cut a brand new key.
This means less time on each job, fewer mistakes, and more successful callouts.
This resource has the most competitive prices and worldwide FREE shipping.
YOUR 10% OFF SPECIAL CODE: 23ea_10
Lishi Desktop Locksmith Training Vice
Approx Price: $45
This training vice is designed to help you practice properly and build real confidence before working on live jobs.
It securely holds automotive and cabinet locks in place, allowing you to focus fully on developing your picking skills without distractions.
Regular practice is one of the most important parts of becoming a successful auto locksmith.
This vice lets you slow things down, learn how locks truly feel, and build muscle memory in a stress-free environment. The more time you spend practising, the faster and more confident you will be on real callouts.
Its adjustable design makes it easy to work with different lock types, helping you sharpen your technique and reduce mistakes when it matters most.
YOUR 10% OFF SPECIAL CODE: 23ea_10
Xhorse Condor XC-MINI Plus II Key Cutting Machine Also Supports Car, Motorbike, and Household Keys
Approx Price: $3,000
The Condor XC Mini Plus II is designed to help you take on more jobs and increase your income without adding complexity to your workflow.
It makes key cutting simple, reliable, and stress free, even when working across different types of keys.
What truly sets this machine apart is its versatility.
In addition to car keys, it allows you to cut motorcycle keys and household keys, opening the door to far more everyday work and repeat customers.
This means more callouts, more referrals, and more consistent income from a wider range of services.
Its user-friendly design and guided operation help reduce mistakes and wasted blanks, allowing you to work faster and with confidence.
Whether you are on a roadside job, at a customer’s home, or working from a small workshop, this machine gives you the flexibility to say yes to more opportunities.
For locksmiths who want to grow without being limited to one type of job, this is a powerful tool that turns more enquiries into paid work.
Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO II
Approx Price: $3,800
The IM608 Pro II is built for locksmiths who want to stop turning jobs away and start saying yes to almost everything.
Compared to cheaper key programmers, this is a serious upgrade that removes limitations, reduces stress, and opens up far more high-value work.
While budget tools are great for basic jobs, they quickly hit a wall. Certain cars are unsupported, advanced jobs fail, and you are left guessing or walking away.
The IM608 Pro II is designed to eliminate those moments.
It gives you deeper access, broader vehicle coverage, and far more reliability, especially on modern and high-security vehicles.
What makes this tool stand out is confidence.
It guides you through complex jobs, helps you recover from all-keys-lost situations, and allows you to work on premium brands that cheaper tools simply cannot handle.
This means fewer failed attempts, less wasted time, and significantly higher earning potential per job.
It also replaces the need for multiple tools.
Instead of juggling devices or worrying about compatibility, you have one powerful system that handles key programming, immobiliser work, and full vehicle diagnostics in one place.
This keeps your workflow smooth and professional, whether you are roadside, mobile, or in a workshop.
If you are serious about auto locksmithing and want a tool that grows with your business rather than holding it back, this is the upgrade that makes the difference.
It is not just more capable than cheaper models, it is more dependable, more profitable, and far less frustrating to work with.
For Stocks Such As Key Banks And Remotes:
UNITED KINGDOM SUPPLIERS:
US, CAN, AUS + WORLDWIDE: