Cutting keys

[Bomberman]

I have a good understanding of how locks work, but I am not a professional locksmith or anything. I was wondering if I rekey a lock I have, how do I make a key to match it?? Say I have a deadbolt and I want to make it so a master key will work on it... So I remove one of the key pins and replace it with 2 so that 2 different keys will work... Now how do I get a key that will match the second position (assuming that the original key still matches the first position)?? Sorry if I'm not good at explaining this. I guess a better question is, how do I cut a key without access to the original?? Say I know what all the pins are, how do I cut a key that will work?? I do have access to a key cutting machine, as well as key blanks.
Thanks for your help!!

[Chucklz]

If you dont have a code cutting machine, get your hands on a set of depth keys for the keyway you wish you pin up.

[Varjeal]

Just to add to that in case you were not aware. "Depth" keys are specially cut. Each key in the set is cut to a similar depth in every position across the blade.

For example, pretend we're working with a 5 pin Weiser. Weiser as 10 depths numbered 0-9.

So, using a code machine you would cut the 1st key to all 0's...or no depth in all 5 positions. The 2nd key would be cut to all 1's in all 5 positions. the 3rd would be cut to all 2's, and so on.

Using these depth keys you would then determine what the "bitting" of the cylinder is by making a little chart with five blank spaces.

The first space on your page would be the bitting for the first position. (or nearest to the front of the plug) You would find this by inserting depth keys until one of them brought the bottom pin to the shear-line of the plug.

You would then repeat this for each pin chamber. With a master pin in one of the chambers, you will have two "bittings" for that chamber which will tell you what depth your second key will need to be cut to in that particular position.

ex. Our bitting is 54673

A #2 master pin has been added to the 5th or last postion. Our second key would then have the bitting 54675 (or 3+master(2)=5)

Both keys would then operate that particular cylinder.

[Bomberman]

OK... thanks for the info... I have 2 more questions now...

1. Where can I get Weiser Depth keys short of trying to cut them myself?? (I have searched using google, but still can't find any)

2. In your example of master keying, you replaced the 5th pin with 2 pins, so that 2 different keys would open the lock. Do you replace the pin that touches the key, or the other pin?? Or I guess another question would be where can I learn more about master-keying. Sorry about my lack of terminology...

Thanks again!

[Grudge]

Warning: I am no Master keying expert but here goes...

The Weiser pin heights are listed here:
http://www.caoshilock.com.cn/parts/lockhpc/t_wpa115.htm

Notice the column that says "Master Pins". These go above the bottom pin and below the driver. In effect, you create a 3 (or more) pin stack. The master key raises the pin to one break in this pin stack, the regular key to the other.

Hope that helps

[Chucklz]

Sorry about not being so specific. Rough long day, but its good to see someones got ya covered here.

[Varjeal]

1. If you know the type of lock you have and what type of key it uses, I can probably make a set for you. (for a small price of course. )

2. I actually didn't "replace" any pin, I ADDED a #2 master pin to the same chamber.

3. This isn't necessarily the suitable site to have an in-depth discussion on masterkeying, but you could start a seperate thread with the question, and we can discuss it there, or I could start an FAQ of some type on the topic. Depends on the amount of interest.

[kostassk8]

whell it seems that you have a bad time with your lock.come on why are you getting comfused.if you do it you will not be the best.calm down

[UWSDWF]