Titan control key question

[jimb]

I ran into my first set of Titan locks yesterday. The job required picking a titan deadbolt and knob lock and rekeying both locks. After picking the knob lock the cylinder came out. I wasn't sure what had happened until I started playing around with it and figured out why it happened.

I have seen control keys for these locks and never knew what they did. I did some reading on this lock this morning and I'm still not sure I know exactly how the control key works.

So my questions are, does the control key have to have the same cuts as the key? Do you use the users key to unlock and then use the control key? Do the locks come with a precut control key?

[maxxed]

The control key does have the same cuts as the operating key, the only difference is the notch cut in the bottom. I have filed the notch into the operating key to remove the core so that I can rekey the cylinder

[jimb]

The control key does have the same cuts as the operating key, the only difference is the notch cut in the bottom. I have filed the notch into the operating key to remove the core so that I can rekey the cylinder

Do you have measurements for where to file the notch?

[maxxed]

The notch is .1" deep and .2" wide, measured from the bottom shoulder .5" to center but it isn't really critical. Any key that has been used in the lock for a while will have a distinct mark visible on the bottom of the key, just file there

[HeadHunterCEO]

The control key does have the same cuts as the operating key, the only difference is the notch cut in the bottom. I have filed the notch into the operating key to remove the core so that I can rekey the cylinder

Do you have measurements for where to file the notch?

just flip the key over in your copier and cut away the first 3rd of the key closest to the bow to the bottom of the blade.

no time to play machinest there's locks to be keyed up

[jimb]

Thanks for the info. Has anyone made a bump key into a control key? I don't see any reason this would not work and seems it would be a handy item to have when the control key was not available.

[maxxed]

I'm sure that it would work, if the lock is pinned shallow you could just pull the bumpkey out far enough to miss the retainer and rotate plug into position

[Spike666]

I dont think it really is nessasary but it would shurely work. the key would not be very strong at the tip. these control keys come with every lock from a locksmith, but not from the hardware store. and most locks you can remove the bump key when it is turned and you dont need a control. use 7 for kw even though 6 is the new standard deepest depth.

[Spike666]

Oh and I only bump for the fun of it and sometimes in a shitty situation to save the lock at a last resort. customers would crap themselves if i just bumped all their locks open and charged them ..sometimes you have to play the game so they dont have a problem payin that $50.00-$500.00 invoice.
I have made keys for cars and trucks and motorcycles cabinets houses and commercial. some vehicles 10 minutes and your writing an invoice, for $200.00 so you let them know that your tools computer software codes and knowledge are worth the $199. and $1. for the 2 blanks.

[jimb]

customers would crap themselves if i just bumped all their locks open and charged them codes and knowledge are worth the

Some of mine have found it fascinating. One customer told me after I bumped the lock on his front door that he had just seen that done on the local news. Of course I missed it, but he then went on to tell me that he wished they had used that method of entry when they broke into his house a few weeks before, instead of destroying his back door.

[Deathadder]

lol, i bet he wouldnt be saying that if the insurance company declared "no forced entry"

[bjornnrojb]

So, what does the control key do? Does it interact with the retaining spring, making this sort of like a poor man's LFIC cylinder lock? A while back I had somebody locked out because of a malfunctioning smartkey lock. I opened it in the manner those familiar with smartkey locks and their vulnerabilities might expect, and the owner asked if I could put this other lock they had in their garage on the door instead. They brought out a Kwikset Titan so I said ok. It fit in where the old rim cylinder used to be, but it was missing the retaining spring that keeps the cylinder from coming out when you turn the key. So I took some wire and made a spring of my own and stuffed it in the spot for the retaining spring and it worked great.
Then, the retaining clip kept falling off the back of the plug until I squeezed it tighter and put it back on the plug and tailpiece. Haven't heard back from them. Hope some other locksmith doesn't run into problems in the future expecting his special Titan bumpkey to extract the plug!