While a locksmith service van’s exterior is for show, the interior is where the real work is done. Vans are part retail store, part tool storage and part workspace, all in tight quarters where organization and function are vital.
Thanks to our readers for showing some amazing storage and workspace hacks as part of our 2025 locksmith van contest (see exteriors on page S8).
We have three winners in this category with very different vans: DJ’s Lock and Key, FlyLock and My Locksmith. DJ’s has tons of space, giant workbenches, multiple key machines and heavy duty storage cabinets. FlyLock also has an extended workbench and locking cabinets to protect their tools and inventory. My Locksmith has a compact, drop-down desk for doing research and creating invoices, plus the coffee bar contributes to technicians’ comfort and saves time by avoiding the coffee shop drive-through window. Here are our storage/workspace entries by company.
First Place Winner: DJ’s Lock and Key, Garden City, Kansas
From Dennis Davidson, Jr.: Fully equipped van using Sortomo storage system and benches allows for easy access to hardware. Four-foot work bench to work on cylinders and hardware and a five-foot workbench for machines such as 3D Pro Elite, flat steel duplicator, Bravo III duplicator, and a Futura NA. The pull-out cabinets feature locking drawers when they close and each drawer can handle up to 200 lbs. of weight if needed. Built with rear heat and air and a 5000-watt invertor with multiple plug-ins along both sides of the box.
Judges’ comments: With nine feet of workbench space, this super-sized service vehicle is truly a workshop on wheels, with TONS of interior space.
2012 GMC Savan 3500
Second Place Winner: FlyLock Security Solutions, Quincy, Mass.
From Ian Carrano: Our vans stand out using its most innovative feature — a mobile workbench that runs the full length of the inside of the van featuring a Rytan key machine that creates flexibility to clear additional workspace. This feature is critical for our business as it helps our technicians with organization and efficiency. Providing our team with a comfortable working environment, they have sufficient space to perform mobile locksmith services using a key wall that gives our team a visual representation of our current key stock inventory. This workspace features plenty of storage, including numerous organized shelving and drawers, which supports both small and large tools that are set up for easy access.
As one of our most important features of our workbench, locking cabinets are crucial for our technicians, who utilize these for storing valuable items, specialty parts and tools so all equipment is secure and not damaged while on the move. Supporting both everyday tools and high-end equipment, these cabinets help our team stay organized and safe. Offering even more storage, our vans feature optimal hanging areas for tools and other equipment that don’t fit in cabinets or drawers. Using these areas, our technicians can easily access anything they need, keeping equipment always organized and within reach. Whether it’s dollies, fire extinguishers, smaller step ladders, or cleaning equipment, our van helps our team keep everything stored properly. Our mobile workbench is a game changer helping our technicians stay organized, boost productivity, and prioritize safety regardless of where they are.
Judges’ comments: What a great set-up. We loved the full-length workbench and locking cabinets.
2024 Dodge RAM ProMaster
Third Place Winner: My Locksmith, Stuart, Florida
From Michael J. Bolduc: As much time as a professional locksmith spends in their vehicle, and since our van is equipped with Wi-Fi, we thought it was a good idea to create a comfortable stowable desk for product research, as well as creating invoices, coupled with the fact there is a robust 30-amp power supply, so we have ample power for our portable Keurig Coffee machine. Comforts are priceless!
Judges’ comments: I’ll have a skinny latte with oat milk, please.
2020 Ram Promaster
Dedge’s Lock and Key, Jacksonville, Florida
From Joseph Capral: We build our vans out. We have been doing this for the last 20 years and every build is a little different trying to make it a little better than the last one. We have looked at metal inserts but there is so much wasted space.
Judges’ comments: No better way to customize to your exact needs than to do it yourself. We’d love to see more pictures.
Ford Transit
Cothron’s Security Professionals, Austin, Texas
From Tommy Blaze and Gabriel Suniga: As a busy locksmith/road tech at Cothron's Security Professionals, the oldest and most trusted locksmith, safe, and security company in Austin, Texas, Tommy Baze makes sure he has everything he needs with him to help keep his community safe and secure. He effectively uses the interior of his work van as a workbench and storage, complete with a hanging tool organization system. Efficiency and workplace storage are key.
Judges’ comments: We especially liked the hanging tool organization. Both of these vans are so well organized!
2024 Ford Transit-150
JGG Locksmith, Las Vegas
From Jose Gabriel Garcia: Truck shown came as-is, with no customizations. It is the tail-gate feature, and it has three gradating in size circles on each side. Here I can put screws, power drill bits, lock housings or immediately removed plugs. The silver toolbox has car lockout tools and basic ratchet sets.
Judges’ comments: Here’s an example of getting out on the road with the essentials in a more standard vehicle.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Double Quick Locksmith, Honolulu, Hawaii
From Gabriel: Our old van is well-organized, functional, and equipped with everything a locksmith might need for efficient service. The van features custom shelving and compartments designed to securely store a variety of tools and keys. You’ll find a neatly arranged inventory of high-quality key programming tools, key-cutting machines, and OEM devices for car keys. There are also trays and cabinets for storing replacement parts, such as locks, keys, and security hardware.
Judges’ comments: Everything an automotive expert could need!
Sprinter 2500
