- 8 The Old Mill Norwich Road, Hoveton, Norwich, England, NR12 8DA
- info@phoenixcarkeys.co.uk
- 03330065210
Phoenix Car Keys Ltd, Company number: 15609407, Registered in England
Ever wondered what it’s like to be an auto locksmith? In this article, we sit down with John, one of our experienced locksmiths, to chat about how he got started, what a typical day looks like, and the most common (and surprising) issues drivers face.
He also shares some useful tips on how to avoid lock-related headaches — and a few stories from the road you won’t want to miss!
Like a lot of young people here in the UK, I had no idea what I wanted to do after finishing school. Funny enough, one evening I was scrolling through YouTube and stumbled across a video of a few guys competing to unlock a car door using specialist tools. I remember thinking, “Wow! So you can get into a car without smashing a window?!”
I ended up going down the rabbit hole — watched more videos, read a few articles, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked. That was the moment I realised, this is the trade I want to learn. And I’ve never looked back since.
Honestly, I never realised just how many issues people have with car keys! They get lost, snap in half, or end up locked inside the vehicle. And of course, it always happens at the worst possible time — right before work, school run, airport dash, you name it.
I’d say about 40% of my work is cutting and programming keys, another 40% is non-destructive vehicle entry, and the remaining 20% is ignition barrel repairs or replacements. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting.
Can I give you two?
The most unusual one was when I accidentally locked myself out of my own car! After a food shop, I shut the boot and realised my spare key was still in the bag… inside the car. I had to go home, grab my kit, come back, and unlock my own vehicle like a proper client. I was both embarrassed and amused!
The other one was quite tense — a lady had locked her two dogs in the car. She was so stressed, and understandably so. Luckily, the dogs were fast asleep and had absolutely no clue there was any drama happening outside. Got them out safe and sound in no time.
First off — always have a spare car key. Seriously. It can save you a ton of stress and money later on.
Second, look after your keys. Keep them away from moisture, avoid direct sunlight, and don’t go dropping them every five minutes. Also, pay attention to how your ignition barrel feels — if it starts sticking or the key’s hard to turn, get it looked at before it gets worse.
In my locksmith van, I’ve got everything I need for key cutting and programming, emergency vehicle access, and ignition barrel replacements. That includes things like:
More recently, I’ve been using the Lock50 tool — it’s been a real game-changer and helped me expand the range of cars I can work on.
For me, it’s the fact that it’s never boring. You can’t just learn a few tricks and repeat them forever — this job’s all about staying sharp, both mentally and literally.
Technology keeps evolving, car systems get smarter, and that means I’ve got to keep learning, adapting, and improving. Plus, I’m always on the move, meeting people, solving problems — it’s satisfying, rewarding work, and I genuinely love what I do.