(EDITing)Free Locks

Now that's a clickbait title if I ever saw one!

Friends, Family & Neighbors!

Everyone knows people, and most people either remodel the place they live or maybe move households once in a while.  When moving into a new house, it is standard practice to change all the locks.  Letting everyone around us know that we are looking for locks they are usually happy to hand over their old "Trash" as it comes along.  Suggesting a better way to secure someone's prized possessions without breaking their bank is a good way to help everyone involved, since they are typically happy to give away their old equipment.

Locksmiths

This one is a bit harder since this is a business, and they have no incentive to do anything for us.  I tend begin with a little bribery, shince Showing up with a hot pizza and an empty bucket at around 11AM works sometimes...others are happy to point to a trash can in the back room and say "Have at it". 

Fair Warning - It is really unfortunate but some locksmiths I have approached, have reacted with fear \ anger as if we are taking money from them in some way... Personally, I simply Smile and Say "Thanks Anyway" then LEAVE THE PIZZA anyway.  There is no point to antagonizing someone by trying to change their mind, and even less point if they are already angry!

Maintenance Technicians for Apartments, Condos, StripMalls, U-Stor-It, ,LaundroMat, etc.

This can be a gold mine in practice locks for a club!  These types of techs usually end up with cut or otherwise "useless-to-them" locks.  I usually either offer to help them personally with something as a trade, or go with the Pizza and bucket trick.