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Creating a lock from a specific key

Having read the FAQ's you are still unfulfilled and seek more enlightenment, so post your general lock picking questions here.
Forum rules
Do not post safe related questions in this sub forum! Post them in This Old Safe

The sub forum you are currently in is for asking Beginner Hobby Lock Picking questions only.

Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby StabbyGypsy » 20 Jan 2013 10:27

I clicked around to see if I could find a similar thread to this, but I didn't run into any. This isn't lock picking per se, but I figured it falls into the wheelhouse of those familiar with the craft. If not, I'll see myself out, heh.

I'm looking for a way to create a lock from a relatively basic ornate (oxymoron?) key. I know this is backwards, but I'm wondering if it can be done. My girlfriend, who I'm proposing to in the not too distant future, wears as a necklace an old key she found. I'd like to create a lock that this key could open, put that lock into a fancy box, and have her use her key to open it up and find the ring. Only problem is, I don't have a clue how to do this or even where to start with the process.

I can take pictures of the key and post them later, but right now I'm just trying to see if the idea is conceptually possible.
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby Pickmequick » 20 Jan 2013 11:17

Highly possible.

Will need pictures from all angles with measurements.
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby GWiens2001 » 20 Jan 2013 11:23

It will be a very fun project for you, and not as hard as you might think. We will be glad to give tips.

Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby MacGyver101 » 20 Jan 2013 17:41

What will make this even easier is that you're not trying to make a lock that prevents other people's keys from opening the box... you just want to make sure that your girlfriends' key will open it. That likely makes things a lot simpler.
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby StabbyGypsy » 20 Jan 2013 23:49

Excellent. I'll have to find a way to swipe the key so that I can take a bunch of pictures and measure everything. I'll post back here when I have the information.
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby lockjock50 » 20 Jan 2013 23:55

This is a great idea. Id like to know how it turns out. But if you dont find a way to do it, a new "special" key could take its place?
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby Bob Jim Bob » 23 Jan 2013 7:02

I'm going to suggest that you find a fancy looking box with a lock and take the lock apart and disable it in a way that it will open up no matter what key you use. She'll be so excited when her key opens the lock that she probably won't ever check the lock with other keys.
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby fgarci03 » 25 Jan 2013 14:34

Hi StabbyGypsy!
I have an ideia.

First off: You need to decide if you want to have a lock that any key will open like MacGyver101 said (much easier), or you would like a lock that ONLY that key opens.

In order to do that, you need to get your hands on the original key. When you do, go to a locksmith to make a copy and return the original to it's place without her noticing it. That way you can work on it easily.

If that's impossible, stick to the idea of taking pictures of it but remember to have a ruler or something to measure it in the photo. You can also draw it in a piece of paper using the key as a template.

Then, go to a locksmith and see if he can build a lock for that key (it'll be cheap).
Or, if you already have a box with a lock, see if he can change it to fit that key.

He if can't, or wont, or you find that it has more meaning you doing it, get a couple of locks the same kind. Disassemble them (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQXYLPoTNd4) and get the pins out.

Now in order for the key to work, you can do it like this (you really have to have a hard copy of the key for this):

- Insert the key in the lock
- Start placing the pins (the ones with a tip) in the holes (tip goes down) on the top of the plug
- Be sure that with the key in place, the top of the pins align EXACTLY with the the plug
- If they don't and you have no pin that does, file down a little a bigger pin until it does (remember, it has to align EXACTLY)
- Reassemble the lock and test it.

You can always get 4 or 5 locks and probably you will have all the pins you need.
If it works, you're set!

Any questions feel free to post them as we are pleased to help you.
And don't forget to take pictures of the process! :)

Be safe!

P.S. - I don't know how much you understand of locks so I tried to break down every step
P.P.S. - By the way, GREAT IDEIA dude!
Go ahead, keep plugging away, picking on me! You will end up on bypass or with rigor mortise.
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Re: Creating a lock from a specific key

Postby fgarci03 » 25 Jan 2013 14:37

Well, read again your post and you said OLD key.

So it's probably a warded key. If that's so, forget my last post :lol:

Depending on the size of the key, it may open quite a few locks already. But give us some pics and we'll be able to help you!
Go ahead, keep plugging away, picking on me! You will end up on bypass or with rigor mortise.
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