Broken Key, see picture

[rickola]

I'm about to receive a Key with other parts for a Vespa scooter. I'm waiting for the one I bought from seller at auction. The key was originally an encoded (chipped) one but I don't need that option, basically purchased the things because the lock cylinder etc. is the same as others, key itself if it had a working chip, would just mate up with the corresponding computer i'm also getting. Immobilizer setups still work like keys in a lock but the chip situated where the key's handle is, will tell the electronics we have a go. My key doesn't have the previous chip nor will I get one for it. The deal was great for the sum of all the parts included.

Seller tells me the key wasn't broken inside the lock so I assume it was snapped off in another way. Picture shows the thing with the two pieces and the cuts look like they might be okay.

Here's the question in advance of me asking a locksmith which of course is gonna soak me for some good money IF they do some work-I have had keys made, had new tumblers for locks etc., none of it is cheap.

Can a locksmith take the key as you see it and cut a new one without having the endpiece/handle, will it still sit inside their machine so it lines up for cutting? Could I lightly spot weld it/fuse the pieces together so it will at least resemble a key that could be placed in said machine and re-cut? Don't think I'd try a key I temporarily repaired, inside the lock because it would break off and then it might get stuck in there.

Seller mentions that yes, it IS the key that mates up with the lock. My last resort would be to order a new cylinder which is quite inexpensive and of course I'd have a brand new set of keys for that one, but this whole scenario is more out of curiosity rather than expense. Like I said, i've been to locksmiths many many times and have paid my share of the bucks to have repairs etc. I'm also aware that having a working key for said lock makes it easier to pull the cylinder in the event I wish to replace those guts. If not, yeah, I'd just punch out the old one and pop in a new one of course.

Oh yeah, trying to remember about how many pins there are in these locks and I think they have 4 so it does look like all 4 cuts/ridges might still be intact.

broken key cylinder.jpg

Thanks all

broken vespa key.jpg

[jimb]

I have extracted broken keys from cars and copied them on a duplicator by putting both pieces together in the clamp of the machine. This is easier to do if the key is single sided. The key in the picture is broke through the deepest cut and is a double sided key. It might still be possible to copy a new key, but another option is to have a locksmith read the cuts from the key and cut a new one to code. This can be done in just a couple of minutes.

[5thcorps]

This should be a piece of cake for an experienced lockie in your area

[Raymond]

I agree with 5thcorp. Duplicating broken keys are common for locksmiths. Do not attempt to weld or otherwise mess with both parts. Also bringing in the locks can help if there is a problem.