To raise lock smithing, you will need to make [[key form]] by using a key on clay.
'''You do not need to fire the clay mold!'''
For optimal skill gain, make sure the key is of low ql so that your success chance is around 50%.
After 25 lock smithing, the fastest way to get skill is to get a [[small anvil]] that is the right ql to get you a 50% chance to make a [[lockpick]].
Having CoC cast on your small anvil will increase skill gain even further.
If you want to improve your heads smithing skill, create 10-20 small axe heads and imp the blades to your heads smithing + 5. Once you get this to about 25, there's no point in going further and start attaching them to shafts and imping the true tool. Large and medium maul heads give somewhat better skillgain but use up more lump.