software to match new key to key collection

[milo17]

I am a landlord with many keys/locks. I sometimes get disorganized and have unidentified keys laying around. I'd like to match the unidentified key to a lock without actually trying the key in all of the locks. Of course, I could just throw these keys away, but it seems wasteful.

I was thinking that I could scan the key into the computer, and this scan would be compared to scans of all other keys that I have. Sort of like a fingerprint recognition software. If a match was found, it would tell me which key/lock was a match, otherwise it would say "no match found" and the key would stay in the unidentified pile or be thrown away.

Questions:
Is there a software available to do this?
If software is not available, do you think this software would be useful ?
Is there an easier way to do this?

[milo17]

Also, in my case all the keys have the same key blank style. So the matching software would just need to look at the cut pattern.

[mh]

I'm not sure if optical recognition SW is available for your purpose, but you could just measure the cuts with a caliper, that will give you 5 numbers, and those you could enter into a spreadsheet.

That spreadsheet should be kept very carefully, though, because someone who wants to rob your tenants could make all the keys from it.

[WolfSpring]

A much easier form of key control is either serial number tracking or stamping. Stamping is the more preferend IMO, basically stamp each key with something like A1 or BA# and keep a list of the mark, the SN of the key, and where it goes to. If you have a lock box with keys, keep the list in the lock box. You can also mark the locks, if you have pad locks, but be sure never to put identifiers that will directly coorilate(i can't spell) to any known lock,(i.e. don't put APT D for a stamp). But at the same time have some kind of pattern for storage purposes of the lock, A1, A2, A3. This is what most units in the military do for there key control.

[Jaakko]

coorilate(i can't spell)

Correlate?

And I vote for WolfSprings idea, it makes sense and is secure.

[milo17]

Thanks for the responses so far, and keep them coming.

I like WolfSpring's idea, and will likely use it. However, it does not solve my current problem of matching unknown keys to locks.

MH had a good idea. When I measure these keys, how many different possible measurements can there be per pin? Is this measurement easy to see or will there be fractional measurements where it's hard to see if the measurement is, say 4 or 5?

Please let me know if you have any ideas on software.

[Wizer]

There are from 3 to 9 depths on most locks. Sometimes it is easy to read by eye if there is only few depths, but sometimes cuts can have only 0,2-0,3 mm difference.
What locks do you have?

[MacGyver101]

Is there a software available to do this?

The closest thing that I've seen to what you're looking for is the SneaKey project from UC San Diego: their software will decode cut depths from a photograph of a key.

Their software currently runs under Matlab, though, and it doesn't yet have any sort of "key database" that you'd need. So, the answer is that, yes, the technology exists for what you're looking for... but unfortunately, no, I don't believe that anyone's yet released a public package for it.

[milo17]

Wizer - I have Kwikset locks

[MacGyver101]

Wizer - I have Kwikset locks

Not sure how much this will help... but assuming you're using standard Kwikset cylinders (using a KW1 or KW5 blank), each pin can be cut to one of seven depths, with each level being 0.023" deeper than the one before. If you're using a set of calipers, the corresponding thickness (i.e., the measurement of how much "key" is remaining between the bottom of the cut to the bottom of the key) of each depth is:

Depth 1 = 0.328"
Depth 2 = 0.305"
Depth 3 = 0.282"
Depth 4 = 0.259"
Depth 5 = 0.236"
Depth 6 = 0.213"
Depth 7 = 0.190"

The center of the first pin cut starts 0.247" out from the "shoulder" of the key (i.e., 0.247" in from the part of the key that presses against the face of the cylinder when the key is fully inserted); each subsequent pin is located 0.150" further along (i.e., 0.15" closer to the tip of the key).

[straightpick]

If all the keys you have are for the same type locks, why not just buy a key gauge for that particular brand? If you have a brand they don't have a gauge for you can make your own if you have FACTORY CUT KEYS, not duplicates, and the bitting is stamped on the key. Let's take Kwikset as an example. You will need keys that cover all the depths, in this case 6. Get yourself a small piece of cardstock, a bit thicker than an index card, although that will do. Draw a line in the middle of the index card about 2 or 2-1/2" long. On the right hand side, mark a vertical line about 5/16" high. Should be high enough for an uncut blank to pass through. Now extend a line from the top of that vertical to the end of the line on the left. You should have a long triangle.

Cut the triangle out with a razor knife. Find a blank with the shallowest cut, in this case a 1, insert the key into the large end and slide it to the left until it stops and mark the position. Find a key with the next deepest cut and do the same. Repeat for all the depths. You now have a homemade key gauge. Mark the cut numbers on it and gauge all your keys.

[milo17]

Thanks for all the great and varied advice.

These are Kwikset keys. I ordered a key gauge, so will give that method a try as soon as it arrives.. I will gauge all my keys and enter them in a Excel spreadsheet. This should work great!

[Squelchtone]

Thanks for all the great and varied advice.

These are Kwikset keys. I ordered a key gauge, so will give that method a try as soon as it arrives.. I will gauge all my keys and enter them in a Excel spreadsheet. This should work great!

Kwikset eh? May we recommend an upgrade? or just tell your tenants to leave their doors unlocked, it's probably safer that way.

/sarcasm off

You may not even be aware of this, but there are locks you can get which are not priced too much, that will make it so your tenants cannot go to Home Depot or Walmart and makes copies for friends and family. Is this something you would find useful, or do you rekey everytime someone moves out? The brand and model I'm talking about is Schlage Everest c123/c145 keyway. And those keys also have a larger bow so more room for you to stamp numbers on to, including space to stamp "do not duplicate"

hope this helps,
Squelchtone

[Tyler J. Thomas]

You may not even be aware of this, but there are locks you can get which are not priced too much, that will make it so your tenants cannot go to Home Depot or Walmart and makes copies for friends and family. Is this something you would find useful, or do you rekey everytime someone moves out? The brand and model I'm talking about is Schlage Everest c123/c145 keyway. And those keys also have a larger bow so more room for you to stamp numbers on to, including space to stamp "do not duplicate"

You are aware that the C123/C145 keyways are non-restricted and are commonly carried by hardware stores such as Ace, Home Depot, True Value, etc. (not to mention any locksmith), right? They are the factory defaults and there is nothing prohibiting any store from obtaining, duplicating, or selling them (or the rest of the C family, for that matter). D and F are the restricted Everest families.

Read all about it here.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

Whoops, typo. D and B are the restricted Everest families.