Skold's nOOb Guide to Fitting a key to a cylinder.

[skold]

Drills don't like drilling thin objects like key blanks.

[1stACE]

Wait so how do you figure out the code for you lock? I know you're using color coded pins for your new cylinder but I don't see how you figure out the code for the actual lock.

[triplezero]

Wait so how do you figure out the code for you lock? I know you're using color coded pins for your new cylinder but I don't see how you figure out the code for the actual lock.

When you work with pins/keys from specific brands every day you tend to learn to read the keys, in my experience anyway.

Key gauges for most major brands of lock can be had for very little cash and allow you to get the code from a key in seconds.

[ceddolls]

Lovely Guide Just found a old yale lock and i will be trying this out 10/10...

[KentWood]

I have three locks that take the same key. The key is lost. Can I determine the key code by taking one of the locks apart and measuring the height of the key pins ?

What must I be careful to do/not do ?

[YouLuckyFox]

I was doing trying to fit a key a couple days ago. I didn't think to take the cylinder out. I just had the pin and spring retainer off and was trying to line the tops of the springs up. This will be very helpful, thanks!

[SeanGallagher]

I never thought about using the marker either, creative idea! Helpful write up

[Quickpicknpay]

Another way to find the spacing easily and what I always use for disc or pin type locks once the barrel has been removed from the housing is to use a small 4 or 6 inch warding file or your impressioning file and with the pins or discs still in the barrell, apply downward force on top of the pin or disc and then wiggle the file slightly forward and backwards a few times on each pin. Use enough downward pressure on the file so as it only grips the top of the pin or disc but does not actually file the pin and damage it.
Easy ;)

[MrLockout]

Great article! I'm new to the site myself, but this was a great write-up on how to make your own key! Keep up the helpful demonstrations!