question code books

[bpc293]

do all the code books made by diffrent companys like ilco hpc curtis are they basicly universal.

[maxxed]

Code books come in both universal and dedicated formats. Curtis code books usually deal with a particualr code series that accompanies the appropriate parts for the curtis clipper. Most of the other code books have codes for all types of locks. I have them on micofiche and will probably purchase codes on disk soon

[bpc293]

i have a ilco thats a copy of the hpc1200 so this is obvious i should get the hpc code books. i seen the set of 5 without the padlock books for a little under $300. new is this a normal price. it was for 2 domestic and 3 foreign automotive. i seen some on ebay but i wasn't sure how high to bid what do used ones go for. or is there a alternative i should go with like reed or something. this stuff is starting to add up to allot of money and i don't want to make a bad choice. any advice at all would be appreciated. i know this post will have to be moved.


for a copier i have a speedx premier

thanks

[devildog]

I think HPC is pretty much the standard, best overall.

[bpc293]

do you no what the average price is

[devildog]

$700 for the general code book set
$350 for the padlock set
$300 for the domestic auto codes
$600 for the foreign auto codes

or you could just dish out about $600 for their CodeSource software which has all of those on it.

[bpc293]

o wow i should of kept biding on ebay. i thought i saw them for 300 for the cars. so if i did jump on them. thanks i was waiting around cause i think this is going to be moved and out of my reach.

thanks everyone

[linty]

codesource is pretty good. i've got a few complains about it but it sure beats searching through dozens of binders of codes just to find you never bought the one book you desperately need right now.

http://www.lockcodes.com/

doesn't look like much but don't be fooled.
is very good for the price and you don't have to worry about buying updates, it is also usually better organized and has codes that even an up-to-date codesource doesn't.

codesource is great for the fact that you can do bitting searches (if you have partial cuts and want to find possibilities for the remaining cuts)
once you do that it will even let you print a cutting tree.

both of these programs will even let you print out hpc cards.

[linty]

er, sorry, lockcodes isn't really a program, didn't want to be confusing there

[devildog]

About those codebooks on ebay: make SURE you know what year they are; I've seen ones listed on there where they don't mention the year at all or just say 'well, they're recent' and they turn out to be from 97 or something (that wouldn't be very recent for auto codes). That could very well be why they only went for two or three hundred.

[I Pik U]

Not code book related, but I find the InstaCode program to be very good. It also allows you to search may different ways, also save your own sysytems with custom spacings and depths, do master systems, save client info, and have favorites (codes you use often). It also allows dirrect hook up to a key machine, if compatable.

We have many older code books that list the spacings and depths, which then can be cut on a Jenson Keycrafter, Framon, or similar machines. Not as efficient as our Ultra code machine that has built in code storage as well, but if you can produce a key. Is that not the ultimate goal?

[bpc293]

thanks guys
one more question is there anyone who would buy the books over the CD software. sound's like software is better to have.

[readyman]

hello im new to this world and was wondering where would be a good place to buy a code book for pad locks .. im in the process of tool gathering and i really don't know if i need the book to start but if i do then i would like to have it onhand.. thanks in advance

[UWSDWF]

hello im new to this world and was wondering where would be a good place to buy a code book for pad locks .. im in the process of tool gathering and i really don't know if i need the book to start but if i do then i would like to have it onhand.. thanks in advance

you don't need the book unless you're re-/pinning, key making or the sort.

[lt6206]

I have heard so many different opinions on which code book is best and which software is best. It would be nice if someone would do a side by side comparison of both the software and the code books. Also a list of who publishes them and where to purchase them would be of great assistance to newcomers like myself. I know HPC publishes code books and software, but a comparison of features and the like would be great!