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key machine

Got a question about key machines? not sure what to buy? need a user manual? have some tips for keeping one running well or need help cutting or programming keys? Post here!

key machine

Postby beachbumoki » 7 Dec 2009 20:31

Hello,
I'm new to the site and to locksmithing was hoping someone can tell me what kind of machine would be best to start with? i dont have a big budget would like to do residential and auto.
Thanks
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Re: key machine

Postby thelockpickkid » 7 Dec 2009 21:00

Start out with a small Ilco series, get something used that doesn't look to beat up, an ilco 008. Also look for some old Cole machines, I have one and it is a great machine, a hundred dollar bill can buy most any of these used.
Shoot first ask questions later! Thelockpickkid
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Re: key machine

Postby Eyes_Only » 8 Dec 2009 15:27

I've never ordered from this site before cos up to now the machine from my FB course has sufficed but maybe you can find it useful, If they sell to the general public that is,

http://www.discountkeymachines.com/

or

http://www.mysecuritypro.com/keymachines.aspx , I buy from them a lot so I can vouch for them.

or maybe,

http://www.lockpicks.com/keymachines.aspx , These guys sell to just about anyone.

Although I personally wouldn't recommend the Wenxing machines from China. Just haven't heard enough good reviews about them to risk taking an investment in them.
If a lock is a puzzle, then its key is the complete picture
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Re: key machine

Postby Tyler J. Thomas » 8 Dec 2009 16:50

Check eBay or trade magazines (if you have access to them). A lot of locksmiths sell machines they no longer have use for through these outlets. Might be able to find a deal.
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Re: key machine

Postby beachbumoki » 8 Dec 2009 17:03

Thanks for the info, I am taking the FB course but dont have the machine they r out them. I was told the machine is not worth having, if it is i can use it if i ever get it. Will it work cutting by code for auto keys?
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Re: key machine

Postby Eyes_Only » 8 Dec 2009 17:06

It can but cutting many auto keys on the FB machine can be a pain sometimes (at least for me) cos you gotta use shims and paper clips on some of them to keep it clamped in straight.
If a lock is a puzzle, then its key is the complete picture
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Re: key machine

Postby ElAbogado » 8 Dec 2009 17:07

Confederate wrote:Check eBay or trade magazines (if you have access to them). A lot of locksmiths sell machines they no longer have use for through these outlets. Might be able to find a deal.


Key machines are "prohibited items" on ebay. Don't ask why, I don't know; it's just their own way of being a pain....

(code cutters, hand held clippers and such are also prohibited)
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Re: key machine

Postby Tyler J. Thomas » 8 Dec 2009 19:55

ElAbogado wrote:
Confederate wrote:Check eBay or trade magazines (if you have access to them). A lot of locksmiths sell machines they no longer have use for through these outlets. Might be able to find a deal.


Key machines are "prohibited items" on ebay. Don't ask why, I don't know; it's just their own way of being a pain....

(code cutters, hand held clippers and such are also prohibited)


Learn something new everyday. I bought one off of eBay about 2 years ago; didn't know they've prohibited those since then.
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Re: key machine

Postby Eyes_Only » 8 Dec 2009 20:29

Unless someone reports it there's still a good chance the auction will go through.
If a lock is a puzzle, then its key is the complete picture
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Re: key machine

Postby ElAbogado » 8 Dec 2009 20:40

Eyes_Only wrote:Unless someone reports it there's still a good chance the auction will go through.


this may be true, but first offense is a warning, second is a suspension of 30 days... I really don't like them at all...

El Abogado

ebay policy below:

What are the guidelines?

Allowed:

Antique skeleton keys

Blank keys

Depth keys

Educational material on how to become a locksmith

Key guides

Replacement parts for key cutting machines

Not allowed

Autolock bypass keys (also called jigglers)

Bump keys

Code grabbing devices

Devices to make or duplicate keys:

Key cutting machines - functional or not (includes automatic or hand-held manual cutting devices)

Code cutters

Cam cutters

Devices designed to pick a lock:

Lock picks

Lock pick tool sets

Lock pick cards

Lock pick gun

Tubular lock picks

Digital decoders

Educational material on how to pick a lock

Master keys (also called skeleton keys)

Slim-jims (including roadside emergency kits that may contain this device)

Tension bars

Try-out keys
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Re: key machine

Postby npdaniels » 8 Dec 2009 21:00

If you want to code cut and dup keys, buy a switch blitz. If you’re looking for something less expensive check out the B&S on this site, I have bought some used tools and a machine from other members at some unbeatable prices. You will absolutely need to be able to code cut keys if you’re doing auto work and almost any commercial job.
Keys? We don't need no stinkin keys!
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Re: key machine

Postby Tyler J. Thomas » 8 Dec 2009 22:12

I knew I wasn't crazy.
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Re: key machine

Postby thelockoutguys » 9 Dec 2009 1:40

Dont buy the F. B. machine. Waste of money and your time. Buy a decent used machine from $150 to $350. Ilco ect.. Search craigslist and most will ship also...Whatever you do dont go CHEAP on your key machine...this will be the main peice of equipment for your new business.
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Re: key machine

Postby Eyes_Only » 9 Dec 2009 8:11

If you were going to buy a really really good machine that will cut just about any standard house, commercial and auto keys I would go with the Bravo II or III.

I've used the Bravo II which is an awesome machine and a lot of locksmiths almost swears by them but you'd have to buy one used cos I don't think they make them anymore and Ilco/Silca replaced it with the Bravo III which I'm sure is also a solid and reliable duplicator.

The main problem with those two is the price. These two machines go for around $1700 which is the reason why I don't have one myself. And the Bravo III is just HUGE and takes up a lot of space on your workbench or service vehicle.
If a lock is a puzzle, then its key is the complete picture
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Re: key machine

Postby straightpick » 9 Dec 2009 22:22

If you are looking for a machine to duplicate keys check out the Ilco 045 manual. A real workhorse for the money. 4 way jaws will hold virtually any domestic or auto key. Had one for about 15 years (yeah, still purrs like a kitten!) and have not found a key it can't hold. Plus you can buy a side milling slotter, flip the tracer around and cut safe deposit and flat steel keys. About 700-800 dollars.
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