Anyone ever heard of this key machine?

[pinsetter]

I just found this key machine and was wondering if anyone has ever had any experience with them? From the picture it looks like a decent machine for the money, but they don't list its features.
Here's a link to the machine:

http://www.chateauproducts.com/index.ph ... ey+machine

and:

Have any of you ever tried to pick Chateau disc locks? I was just given a Chateau C870 with no key. Just wondered if their hard or easy to open? The keyway is a bit odd, but their website says they're only 5 pin.

[Varjeal]

Saw those at a trade show a couple years back. Looked like a decent machine to me too. If you buy one post a review.

I recall one of them having a built-in rechargeable battery so that you could run it without power cords. They look to be fairly sturdy machines.

[pinsetter]

Well, I probably wouldn't be a good one to write a review as I have no experience with key machines, but if I decide to try one I'd give it a shot. At least I'm very mechanically inclined and could at least give a good account of ease of use.

As for the Chateau C870 lock, I'll answer my own question:

Within 5 minutes I had this lock open. I believe there was one spool pin in the lock, but it presented very little challenge. (I say "I believe" because the lock was so rusty and dirty that it was really hard to tell and I didn't clean and lube it before trying to pick it.) The old man who gave it to me told me it had been lying outside for about 3 years and he had lost the key a couple of years ago. Anyway, they may look like a Brinks R70 at first glance, but the challenge just isn't there! I would consider this lock easy even for the casual picker.

Well, at least you got my review of the Chateau C870 lock. It's easy pickin', but for $2.85 new what could really be expected?

[Shrub]

That key machine looks a good deal for the money and if it takes a battery for use away from power then thats a great idea ive not heard of before.

[taylorgdl]

I agree with Shrub on this one, battery (as a back-up, or as standard) power is a great idea.

Wonder if any other machines do this, and how long the battery lasts ? How many keys do you get to a charge ???

Would be handy for the back of the van.

G.

[vector40]

Uh... it's a duplicator?

[pinsetter]

I checked the manufacturers website and you can get them that run off of 12V DC power, so you could run one from a cigarette lighter socket in your vehicle or off of an auxillary space from the fuse block. Pretty good idea for a mobile machine.

[loxalot]

Chateau Products will not sell to locksmiths as they are a mini-storage supplier only.

I've had good luck with the C870 with a pick gun but the C750 is tough. I usually just chop them off with my grinder if they keys are lost.