key decoder

[Rodfather23]

Does anyone have a template of one of those credit card sized key decoders? hopefully next to a ruler

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[JonathanEricLopez]

Depending on the type of key you want it'll vary. But here is a good idea of what you could try doing check out this site (shown below):

http://www.dutygearstore.com/prolokkwik ... -4004.html

Enlarge the picture on the website... right click the pictures, and then click save as (Save to whevere you would like to save the picture...) Locate picture enlarge it on your computer screen try and scale it down to what you think would be correct and print out that picture and take a key of your own and take the highest cut on the ridge of the key and see if the picture lines up... Or just take a micrometer and figure out the precise key depth of a cut #1 and compare it to the key decoder image.... I know it sounds a bit confusing but it's worth a shot. Your best bet is just paying 20 dollars and bam you've got yourself a decoder... But remember a micrometer also does the job of decoding a key as well just make sure you have the pin depths on hand for reference. That'll give you the key code!

Hope that helps!

[nostromo]

OP- I've had one for years and rarely used it. When you're doing key and decoder work I needed not only pin depth but spacing, too. The 'slot' tool isn;t wide enough for it.

But it IS reliable and easy to carry around for what it is. Less likely to get damaged, too. If you make your own be sure to 'calibrate' for accuracy by measuring the actual widths.

When I first got started, the most lusted for tool in the shop was the Jensen Microdial caliper. ABout $60 at the time, I think. This was late 70's.

Harbor freight has 6" calipers for about $10 and you can often find a 50% off one item coupon online.

Best of luck!