The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing [Paperback]

Bill Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 29, 1995

A guide to the latest locks and systems available in the locksmithing industry. This text includes illustrations, coverage of automobile security systems, and demonstrate how to install and fix faulty combination locks, vending machine locks and keyed padlocks.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

From the Back Cover

Includes practice test for the RPL exam!

"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 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 the Fourth Edition

The Standard Reference in the Field

A Comprehensive Source Often Used as a Classroom Text or Self Study

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 is a book that can help almost everyone, at one time or another, and an insider's guide to every facet of the world of mechanical security.

Features:
*Complete, illustrated coverage from a master locksmith
*The perfect tool for teaching yourself lockpicking and lock fixing
*Safe opening and servicing techniques
*Coverage of electronic and high security mechanical locks
*Auto lock opening and servicing how-to's
*Lockmaking instructions
*More than 100 new practice exam questions
*Lists of tools and equipment sources

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill; 4th edition (August 29, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070498660
• ISBN-13: 978-0070498662
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,418,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for beginners or the curious, September 30, 2002

By 

Paul Reece (Marietta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (Paperback)

I'm not sure just how this book earned such high praise from supposedly learned people. Or perhaps that's the problem: they already know enough about locks and locksmithing to have no need for the basic information that is so severely lacking in this volume.
As an example, the chapter on automobile locks doesn't offer even a single picture or schematic view of how the rods and linkages of an automobile door lock might be configured behind all that outer metal and inner upholstery. There are two closeup views of specific mechanical devices that might (or might not) be part of a typical door lock, but we have no idea where or how they might (or might not) fit into the overall mechanism. And unless you already know what a "bellcrank" is and how it's used, the picture is meaningless. Moreover the supposedly helpful "exploded" view of a car door lists more than 20 specifically numbered door components and then places those reference numbers in the view for only a half dozen easily reconizable items such as the "armrest." Wow! That's enlightening.
At one point the text mentions that you might be able to open a locked car door by "removing the rear view mirror." and there is zero elaboration.
This sort of shallow and superficial coverage of important topics permeates the text. It might ring with clever insight to an experienced locksmith who has encountered the situation alluded to, but it's meaningless to the layman. Likewise, many of the illustrations are of no value to anyone unititiated to the obscure craft of locksmithing.
If your interested in a Britannica treatise on the history of Phoenecian tomb locks. This the book for you. If you just want some introductory hints and skill you can use around the house, forget it.

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fifth edition continues a tradition of excellence, December 4, 2001

By 

Hans Conkel (Grand Canyon, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (Paperback)

I have all five editions of this book, which dates back at least to 1976 when Tab books was printing them and Carl Roper was the author. I use them as reference materials fairly often when working on locks I'm unfamiliar with. As the years went by, this book was modernized and updated, and some of the older stuff has been cleaned out.

This is the most complete and professional book of locksmithing on the general market, and is an excellent value for people who work on locks. Compared to the restricted market books, Bill Phillips has outdone most of them in presentation and execution of materials. There are no spelling errors or grammatical mistakes, the information is accurate, and it covers an exhaustive number of subjects in the field of locksmithing. If you have an interest in learning a great deal about how different locks are put together, what their applications are, and how to install and service them, you should definitely get this book. If you are studying for a certification test, it is probably the best single purchase you can make for the money. Many individual subjects are not covered in as much depth as is necessary for real satisfaction, but since this book is an overview of the entire field, that is fine. There is plenty of information on rekeying various brands of locks, as well as overviews of installation and adjustment procedures. Although some people complain about this being merely a rehash of manufacturers instructions, it is incredibly convenient to have a reference like this around. If you are servicing an old lock that has been on a door for years, such a set of instructions is a handy thing.

I like what Bill Phillips has done with the book. It is more polished and more practical than the older versions, and it is great to see it stay current with technology. My own book in comparison is quite small, although it covers practical lock opening procedures more thoroughly than "The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing" does. People who just want to know how to open locks will find Mr. Phillips book very boring. People who install and service them will find it quite valuable, and will be grateful that it is such a well-crafted book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Virgina Locksmith, November 3, 2005

By 

Bruce Locksmith (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing (Complete Book of Locks & Locksmithing) (Paperback)

I have several editions of "the Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing." They're all good. I've learned a lot from them. But the sixth edition is by far the best. I especially like the sections on lock picking, impressioning, and selling safes.