SE1 Key Decoding

[stevedavis]

Can someone help me find a link on decoding SE1 keys. I am new home owner and I have a bunch of Segal locks in the house. I would like to rekey them all to 1 or 2 keys , but I need to know how to decode 1 of the keys before I can pin it. I have senn Schlage and Kwickset decoders, but not SE1 or Segal decoders. What is the best/easiest way to decode a Segal key?

[Pickermeapie]

You could use a micrometer. But I have to ask, why wouldn't you take it to a locksmith? Where are you going to get pins from?
-pickermeapie

[stevedavis]

Thanks for the reply. I have the pins. I just do not know how to decode the key. A friend gave me a universal pin kit a few years ago. I have never used it, but I would like to figure it out and now I have the opportunity. I am not sure what a micrometer is, but I will look into it.
Thanks

[n2oah]

http://www.dlaco.com/spacing/spacing.htm

Use a caliper or micrometer to measure the depth between the cut and the bottom of the key (the root depth), and find the brand of lock you have so you can match your measurements up with the depth numbers.

[stevedavis]

Thank You. Do you have a specific caliper that you can recommend. I will not be using it often, so I do not need something very expensive.

[n2oah]

I got a 6" digital caliper at Harbor Freight (harborfreight.com) for about $17. You can use the store locater to find one near you (if you are into tools, you should consider going to a store), or you can order one online.
If you don't want a digital caliper, you can buy a plastic caliper at your local hardware store, they go for about $4-6 there, but they are harder to read.(or maybe I'm just lazy)

[n2oah]

Also, the plastic calipers are usually inaccurate or don't have detailed reading, in that case, you can buy a dial caliper.

[stevedavis]

Thanks. I just ordered one on Ebay.