rekeying for forclosure houses??

[national]

I have a person who can keep me busy with rekeying forclosed homes for the banks but they usually tell him a code like example kwikset code 45366..then I have to set the locks u for that keycode..question is.how do I cut the key for that lock? any ideas? without going thru classes on how to become a locksmith..buy key cutting machines & all that..

[datagram]

Either you get a key machine that can cut via code or you look up the pinning specs for the Kwikset model (probably the standard KW1's) you have to repin and manually make the cut depths either with manual cutter or with a file.

dg

[jimb]

I have done these and I've never needed to cut a key as they already have one, and someone always met me there with their code cut key. You will have to open these homes as they likely will not have a key for entry. I had 3 houses within the same block that I did on one call. I then followed him to another location and did one more, all to the same key.

If this is not possible and if all of the locks are kwikset you could just buy a kwikset punch, I think they run somewhere around 3 or 4 hundred new. Or you could buy a HPC punch, I've seen these sell for 5 or 6 hundred used.

[unjust]

are the punches really just nibblers with trapezoid shaped bites and stops?

[Jaakko]

are the punches really just nibblers with trapezoid shaped bites and stops?

Yes, that simple There is even key clippers, like a nail clippers but bigger.

[raimundo]

Do the specs for that particular key repeat at other houses? I could see the banks making a lot of these houses keyed alike for the purpose of sending people out to check on things. its the difference between keeping a hundred keys and a hundred backup keys or just having them all fit to four or five keys.
Without this, I can't see why the bank would want to generate its own keycodes. Banks are serious about thier vaults, because thats the big convincer to the public, but they are much less reponsible about repo'ed collateral. All they want to do with that is move it in a stagnant market.

[jimb]

Without this, I can't see why the bank would want to generate its own keycodes.

True, all of the one's I've done were handled by a realtor, not the bank. I believe most if not all of mine were HUD homes.

[globallockytoo]

It's a scam!

Probably why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refuse to use locksmiths for this service. No locksmith (generalization) would knowingly key alike multiple separate properties, it is unethical.

Many handymen across the states rekeying locks because locksmiths are refusing to lower their integrity standards.

[5thcorps]

I have a curtis code cutter which can cut all kinds of differenbt keys providing you have all the misc. cams and carriages. They do turn up on ebay occasionally.

[raimundo]

pretty much a nibbler, but there are little bits that are applied to set the depths and spacing for various different brands of lock. these are typically just metal bars that fit into the clipper and adapt it to the specs of the lock.

[jpb06080]

It's a scam!

Probably why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refuse to use locksmiths for this service. No locksmith (generalization) would knowingly key alike multiple separate properties, it is unethical.

Many handymen across the states rekeying locks because locksmiths are refusing to lower their integrity standards.

The hud key (housing/urban development) for instance just makes it so that banks that own these properties can have a regional key that will operate all forclosed homes. It makes life easier for these customers. Since these houses have been forclosed, there is nothing of value inside the house. Having this key would only get you into an empty house, so the ethical issue to me is not really important.

[jimb]

It's a scam!

Probably why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refuse to use locksmiths for this service. No locksmith (generalization) would knowingly key alike multiple separate properties, it is unethical.

Many handymen across the states rekeying locks because locksmiths are refusing to lower their integrity standards.

The hud key (housing/urban development) for instance just makes it so that banks that own these properties can have a regional key that will operate all forclosed homes. It makes life easier for these customers. Since these houses have been forclosed, there is nothing of value inside the house. Having this key would only get you into an empty house, so the ethical issue to me is not really important.

I would also add that the realtor is the customer, and if the customer wants them all keyed the same then it should be done. After all like jpb06080 said the houses are empty and anyone buying the house should have it rekeyed. If any locksmith thinks this is unethical then they deserve to lose the job to a handyman.

[globallockytoo]

It's a scam!

Probably why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refuse to use locksmiths for this service. No locksmith (generalization) would knowingly key alike multiple separate properties, it is unethical.

Many handymen across the states rekeying locks because locksmiths are refusing to lower their integrity standards.

The hud key (housing/urban development) for instance just makes it so that banks that own these properties can have a regional key that will operate all forclosed homes. It makes life easier for these customers. Since these houses have been forclosed, there is nothing of value inside the house. Having this key would only get you into an empty house, so the ethical issue to me is not really important.

The reason I called it a scam is because there are teams of people all with the same key and with access to all FM properties. Sure there is no fittings inside most places, but with the price of copper and wiring and light fittings, going up, those houses are targets for thieves stealing the pipes and selling the metal, flogging the light fittings off on ebay etc.

The blame is then squarely placed on the last tennant, for allegedly committing the crimes, which is not true and hard to prove.

I would also add that the realtor is the customer, and if the customer wants them all keyed the same then it should be done. After all like jpb06080 said the houses are empty and anyone buying the house should have it rekeyed. If any locksmith thinks this is unethical then they deserve to lose the job to a handyman.