DIY Yale key gauge

[Peter Martin]

I saw that Yale .019 key gauges were available--but the shipping prices were as much as the gauge.
They are simple sheet metal cut-outs... so I proceeded to make one from a 1" wide piece of .016" brass sheet.
The results are imperfect... mainly because the stampings are difficult to get straight. But in an hour I have something that's pretty useable.
I know it's pretty old school and probably no longer realistic to make your own tools, however with a little ingenuity you also gain some skills with hand tools.
Pete
Sioux Falls, SD

[Squelchtone]

I think this is great! Nicely done!

I know that there is a 12-in-1 key decoder you can buy which includes Yale (not sure if .019 or .025), https://www.locksmithkeyless.com/produc ... ey-decoder ,




That thing certainly looks useful if not a little unwieldy, but your edition looks well made and I'm sure it is accurate.

Thanks for sharing your design,
Squelchtone

[jeffmoss26]

I use one of the Lock Monkey gauges every day. It's pretty much perfect!

[Squelchtone]

I meant to ask Peter Martin, what stamps are you using for the nice YALE lettering?

Thanks!
Squelchtone

[Peter Martin]

I meant to ask Peter Martin, what stamps are you using for the nice YALE lettering?

Thanks!
Squelchtone

I am using the cheapo Pittsburg brand from Harbor Freight. 1/16" and 1/8" set. I have a nice Miller Falls set in 3/32", but it's missing the "3".

[BlueLock]

The cheapo Pittsburg work really well, especially for the price. They work great for stamping key bows.

[GWiens2001]

I still have the set of Pittsburgh letter and number stamps I started with, though I now have another set that fit in the HPC key stamp aligner.

Gordon

[stratmando]

I saw that Yale .019 key gauges were available--but the shipping prices were as much as the gauge.
They are simple sheet metal cut-outs... so I proceeded to make one from a 1" wide piece of .016" brass sheet.
The results are imperfect... mainly because the stampings are difficult to get straight. But in an hour I have something that's pretty useable.
I know it's pretty old school and probably no longer realistic to make your own tools, however with a little ingenuity you also gain some skills with hand tools.
Pete
Sioux Falls, SD

You could actually have 4 Guages with that 1 piece you made.
Maybe sand the lines off opposite the Yale and have Kwikser, Schlage, Master. 2 on 1 side, 2 on the other..
Good to make your own stuff.

[GWiens2001]

You could actually have 4 Guages with that 1 piece you made.
Maybe sand the lines off opposite the Yale and have Kwikser, Schlage, Master. 2 on 1 side, 2 on the other..
Good to make your own stuff.

I have to say that is a brilliant idea. Also ashamed to say I did not think of it myself.

Gordon