In the beginning ...

[Sinifar]

Well I guess it is time for another blast from the past. How do you make original keys?

Today we use computer driven key generators, HPC 1200 series of punches and the Blitz, or a Framon 2 or something similar. What about before all these were invented? How did we make keys in the old days?

Well you could save new keys from locks which you keyed alike and use those for further rekey work -- but how do you make up keys for things like master key systems?



This way - these are Depth Key Sets. If you study the photo you will note many recognizable keys in sets. What they are is a full set of keys, say from 0 - 9 which means 10 keys, each key is cut to exactly one depth. That is say a 2 is cut 2 all the way across. 3 is as well and so on.

To use these, you need a duplicator, and of course a blank. Now to cut say 3 5 2 7 4 - you would first put in the 3 key and cut the first cut off the pattern key. Then swap out the 5 key and cut the second cut onto the blank and so on until you cut an "original" KEY.

It was slow and depending on your duplicator you did introduce errors into the thing from the beginning.

This is just part of the almost 45 sets of the things we have around the shop - now sitting in a box back in the machine room -- I haven't seen these in suppliers catalogs for many moons but back in the day you could get these everywhere.

Another look into the past and how we did things back then....

Sinifar

[jimu57]

I have an Ilco Mini Mite and depth and space keys for Schlage, Kwikset, American, Yale. I have worked with the Mini Mite for a while, adjusting and measuring cuts with calipers. Most of the time I get within .003" of the depth spec. I have around 200 original Schlage and Kwikset keys that I use as setup keys. I am just a hobbyist. Wouldn't mind having that large collection of S and D keys in the pic.

[Sinifar]

Ask and I could make up Depth key sets on the Framon - however - note, WE do not have the wide cut Kwikset or Weiser cuter - since I use universal pins, the standard cut works well - PM me with your address and I can see what I can do - if nothing else I could make up a set of KW keys off the originals we have ... just saying ...

Sinifar

[billdeserthills]

I always find your 'In the long ago' stories, interesting, Sinifar. I use depth keys all the time, in fact I find them to be much faster than originating
keys on my Framon. Of course I'm not some 'Big Time, Big City Locky' like someone must be on here...

[cledry]

I've only been doing this for 35 years so have always had code machines. I haven't always had them in my service vehicle though and so have used and still have some space and depth keys. Today I would be bankrupt if I used them, too slow and ponderous, and they produce a second generation key, so you generate your key from space and depth and the customer wants 5 more keys, you are on a third generation already! Yikes.

[billdeserthills]

I've only been doing this for 35 years so have always had code machines. I haven't always had them in my service vehicle though and so have used and still have some space and depth keys. Today I would be bankrupt if I used them, too slow and ponderous, and they produce a second generation key, so you generate your key from space and depth and the customer wants 5 more keys, you are on a third generation already! Yikes.

Yeah, I have found that when the key machine won't accurately cut a third generation key, it is usually time to replace
the bushings and cutter shaft. I'm sure you have done that countless times, as I have. In fact that is one of the main
differences between the 5 big national chain hardware stores located around me and my little shop. At my shop, the
key machines are kept in top condition.

[GWiens2001]

I've only been doing this for 35 years so have always had code machines. I haven't always had them in my service vehicle though and so have used and still have some space and depth keys. Today I would be bankrupt if I used them, too slow and ponderous, and they produce a second generation key, so you generate your key from space and depth and the customer wants 5 more keys, you are on a third generation already! Yikes.

Yeah, I have found that when the key machine won't accurately cut a third generation key, it is usually time to replace
the bushings and cutter shaft. I'm sure you have done that countless times, as I have. In fact that is one of the main
differences between the 5 big national chain hardware stores located around me and my little shop. At my shop, the
key machines are kept in top condition.

And that is why people go to locksmiths. The locksmiths would be much more likely to have machines maintained and calibrated.

Gordon

[cledry]

I've only been doing this for 35 years so have always had code machines. I haven't always had them in my service vehicle though and so have used and still have some space and depth keys. Today I would be bankrupt if I used them, too slow and ponderous, and they produce a second generation key, so you generate your key from space and depth and the customer wants 5 more keys, you are on a third generation already! Yikes.

Yeah, I have found that when the key machine won't accurately cut a third generation key, it is usually time to replace
the bushings and cutter shaft. I'm sure you have done that countless times, as I have. In fact that is one of the main
differences between the 5 big national chain hardware stores located around me and my little shop. At my shop, the
key machines are kept in top condition.

No, I buy machines that seemingly don't need repairs, never replaced either of those parts. I've got Silca Bravo 2 and 3 machines and they have cut probably keys in their millions and don't need any replacement parts, except cutters and occasionally but rarely jaws. I do know that a code key is going to be better than a 3rd generation machine no matter how accurate your machine. That is why I wouldn't want to use space and depth keys for any serious work.

I'm not exaggerating when I say we really use these machines a lot. Friday I cut 300 Trimark double sided keys, so like cutting 600 regular keys and I cut $1219 worth of assorted keys, Kwikset, Schlage etc. for another customer and that doesn't include walk in shop traffic which probably accounts for another 50 - 100 keys on an average day. Granted Friday was busy, but I think we must average 200-300 keys a day. That is why we can't use slow machines or ones that need constant repairs or adjustments.

[jeffmoss26]

I just used my Yale D&S keys to make keys for 2 old padlocks I received last week.
They keys aren't pretty but at least they work.

[billdeserthills]

I just used my Yale D&S keys to make keys for 2 old padlocks I received last week.
They keys aren't pretty but at least they work.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with keys that are made from depth keys. Sad fact is the client will be getting their
duplicates cut on a key machine at the hardware store, where the machine will prolly be out of adjustment and still work
well enough that it gets used anyway. I get called out all the time because the key that has been copied too often will no
longer work and it's just more easy money for me to either cut a new factory correct key from my depth keys, or rekey the
whole house.

It's true that the newest key machine I have is from 20+ years ago but it doesn't appear to be losing me the jobs I wanna do