1990's-ish Supra Mark Keybox

[Whambam777]

Hey guys ( and gals ),
Im looking for a "key" for an older 1990's - ish real estate key box.I've had a few of theese locks for a while and am extremely impressed with the workmanship! If You love the mechanics of old school locks you will love the "Marc" by Supra....the last mechanical keybox they made before selling to GE and going electronic. This keybox requires a milled tubular key to be inserted into the side be rotated 1/4 turn, then the user needs to dial in their specific 5 digit code and depress a lever on top of the keybox which in return will release a key box out of the bottom of the lock as well as stamp the agents I'd number ( corresponding to the key ) on a strip of Mylar tape inside of the lock. ( I'll try to attach photos to this post ). My problem is that I haven't had any luck finding a key! I've called the local MLS who depending on who you talk to will remember theese locks but can't help since theese locks were retired for the most part due to the advent of the advantage express. They told me they would keep an eye out for a key but since all keys turned into them were destroyed they wouldnt be able to find one and doubt that an agent would turn In a key to a 20 year old lockbox. I am looking for help on tallest an MLS that possibly still uses theese since I could at least call them up and try to get a key. Thanks for any help/information you could provide!

Photos at photobucket.com search whambam777
http://s1063.photobucket.com/profile/whambam777

[weilawei]

That's a neat lock--reminds me of the check-in points for night watchmen, where they'd have to put in their key and have their number stamped to make sure they actually did their rounds.

[Bob Jim Bob]

It sounds like you want to decode a tubular lock and then get a key made. Not too hard, search the lockpicks forum for "tubular". Lots of info on the picks and then the little decoder.

[Whambam777]

Just found some info on the net about the key, posted a pic of the key with the rest of the pics, thanks for any help!!!

[unjust]

that's facinating. any chance you'd be able to put up more of the supporting document for it?

from the look of the key, it'd be reasonably straightforward to cut one on a mill with a good rotary table, but not necessarily a beginners machining task.

are you pondering putting the device back into use, or just collecting it?

[Whambam777]

It's a very interesting key! I'm looking to use it for my personal collection, wouldn't want to damage any of them ( I have 5 of them ). I uploaded more pics of the specs but u can find more info at googles patent query ill add the link below. I'm currently just trying to create a key from plastic and if you read the patent description you will see its preach changeling... But fun! Im hoping if I can create a working plastic key, I can have one molded from metal!

http://www.google.com/patents/US4895036

[unjust]

i don't know that i'd bother with plastic. the machining would be the same tool work in either plastic or metal, and casting cleanup would be mroe labor than milling out the pieces. it strikes me that you can probably order tube stock that will build teh outer part of the key from somewhere like mcmaster, and it wouldn't be that rough to file out the various notches with a bit of patience. as i ponder it, a mill would make short work of the task as it's all flat cuts once you jig up the pieces.

i'm pretty busy for the next few weeks, but would be willing to try a few pieces if you can get me measurements of the various angles and the like if you're not in a big rush

[Whambam777]

Sorry for the late response! Its been a long go at it but I think I've finally accomplished 3 of the 7 cuts for this lock! Thanks for the offer and I'll definitely take u up on it but it
May be a little bit until I have a working prototype and "good" measurements for the key, so if the offer still stands after a bit of time I'll send you the specs!