cutting keys "by code" ??
Andrew T Piskorski
Hello, I have heard of something called cutting keys by code, which I think is
somehow measuring the pin heights inside a lock, and using those measurements
and a special key machine to cut a key. Could someone explain how and with what
this is done with greater accuracy?
Thanks...
Robert Follmer
by their research. YThese depth to which thwe grooves are cut then
becomes the "code" for that particular key. There are code cutting
machines available for purchase, but they run well over $1000 and more
depending on the manufacturer and specifications by the manufacturer
of these machines. It is an expensive investment, but a sizable job
will provide the money to purchase one.
Bob
Jay Hennigan
Modern locks are made with standardized keyways, spacing between pins, and
progressive depths of cut. What makes one key different from another of
the same manufacture is the individual depths of each cut.
A key for a given lock of a given manufacturer can thus be uniquely
specified by identifying the keyway and the depth progression of each cut
in order. This is called a "direct code", as the information alone allows
a key to be cut. Schlage stamps a direct code on its keys supplied with
new locks. If you look at the head of a new Schlage key, you'll see a
letter (most commonly "C") followed by 5 (or 6) numbers. The letter C
specifies the keyway or blank used. If you examine the cuts on the key
you'll see that from the head (called the "bow") to the tip, higher
numbers equate to deeper cuts. In the case of Schlage, the cuts progress
in .015 inch increments from 0 through 9. A locksmith can cut a key for
such a lock with only the code stamped on the key. The right blank is
selected from the letter, and the cuts are made at standard spacings from
bow to tip. The machine used for cutting keys by code typically has
adjustable dials to set the depths and spacings, either calibrated in
thousandths of an inch, or by pointers on an arbitrary scale behind which
is placed a printed card with marks for each lock make and model. In some
cases a punch which snips notches out of the key is used. Another method
is to use a conventional key machine and a set of "depth keys", which is
nothing more than a key cut all 0 and stamped "0", a key cut all 1 and
stamped "1", and so on.
In addition to the direct codes often seen stamped on the key (but not on
the lock for obvious reasons), are indirect codes. These are common on
Master padlocks, (though they're getting more secure going from metal
stamps to inked numbers to none on the lock itself), file cabinet locks,
and automobile locks. The code number may be stamped visibly on the key,
the lock, or (in the case of auto locks) on a removable tag with the keys.
An indirect code by itself gives no information about the blank, depths,
or spaces. The locksmith looks up the indirect code in a code book
published by the manufacturer or a third party which cross-references it
to a direct code.
Keys cut by code can be more accurate than multiple-generation copies, as
they are cut to the manufacturer's specifications and don't have the
cumulative error of multiple key machines used to make intermediate copies
from a long-lost original.
-Jay
bill nelson
:
: Keys cut by code can be more accurate than multiple-generation copies, as
: they are cut to the manufacturer's specifications and don't have the
: cumulative error of multiple key machines used to make intermediate copies
: from a long-lost original.
They can be more accurate, but they may not work in an older lock. The
reason for this is that the pins slowly wear to match the key as it wears.
A well cut copy of that key will work identically to the key that was
copied. A key cut by code will work will in a lock that is not worn and
possibly not as well (or not at all) in a worn lock.
Bill