Stanley Best Access keys

[Thoobik]

I want to make a copy of a key to a Stanley Best Access lock. But I don't know what kind of blank to get. Apparently there are a bunch of different sections of Best keys. My key has some kind of serial number on it (130AA17) and also a letter stamped on (H). Does that mean I should buy a section H key blank?

This should be obvious, except I found a place to buy the blank, and with section H they say something about section H is actually A1114H, and that doesn't appear in full on the key.

I'd appreciate any advice from someone more knowledgeable than myself. Thanks in advance.


PS. I noticed in some threads while I was searching that posters here get annoyed when people ask for help doing illegal stuff. But I'm making a copy of a key that I already own, the key is to my own storage space (which no one else uses), and I entered into no agreement stating that I would not copy the key, so I am sure it's legal. Don't worry about that.

[Dragunov-21]

Why not just go to a locksmith? Save yourself the hassle?

[Thoobik]

Several reasons:
(1) I don't have a car.
(2) The last time I went to either of the local locksmiths [I got a ride], to make a copy of a cabinet key, their blanks weren't exactly the same as the original, and the last pin always gets stuck and the lock won't open. So I don't trust them anyway.
(3) I like playing with my Dremel. Cutting a spare key that will actually work is a fun challenge.

[keysman]

Several reasons:

(2) The last time I went to either of the local locksmiths [I got a ride], to make a copy of a cabinet key, their blanks weren't exactly the same as the original, and the last pin always gets stuck and the lock won't open. So I don't trust them anyway.


I want to make a copy of a key to a Stanley Best Access lock. But I don't know what kind of blank to get. Apparently there are a bunch of different sections of Best keys. My key has some kind of serial number on it (130AA17) and also a letter stamped on (H). Does that mean I should buy a section H key blank?

This should be obvious, except I found a place to buy the blank, and with section H they say something about section H is actually A1114H, and that doesn't appear in full on the key.

I'd appreciate any advice from someone more knowledgeable than myself. Thanks in advance.


PS. I noticed in some threads while I was searching that posters here get annoyed when people ask for help doing illegal stuff. But I'm making a copy of a key that I already own, the key is to my own storage space (which no one else uses), and I entered into no agreement stating that I would not copy the key, so I am sure it's legal. Don't worry about that.

#1 It would be easier to give you advise if you were to include your location in your profile.
# the " code" on the key would indicate it is part of a larger system .. since you have a problem with your local locksmith you may want to contact your storage area management folks and ask for an additional key. I am sure they would be willing to assist you .

[keysman]

Several reasons:

(2) The last time I went to either of the local locksmiths [I got a ride], to make a copy of a cabinet key, their blanks weren't exactly the same as the original, and the last pin always gets stuck and the lock won't open. So I don't trust them anyway.


I want to make a copy of a key to a Stanley Best Access lock. But I don't know what kind of blank to get. Apparently there are a bunch of different sections of Best keys. My key has some kind of serial number on it (130AA17) and also a letter stamped on (H). Does that mean I should buy a section H key blank?

This should be obvious, except I found a place to buy the blank, and with section H they say something about section H is actually A1114H, and that doesn't appear in full on the key.

I'd appreciate any advice from someone more knowledgeable than myself. Thanks in advance.


PS. I noticed in some threads while I was searching that posters here get annoyed when people ask for help doing illegal stuff. But I'm making a copy of a key that I already own, the key is to my own storage space (which no one else uses), and I entered into no agreement stating that I would not copy the key, so I am sure it's legal. Don't worry about that.

#1 It would be easier to give you advise if you were to include your location in your profile.
# the " code" on the key would indicate it is part of a larger system .. since you have a problem with your local locksmith you may want to contact your storage area management folks and ask for an additional key. I am sure they would be willing to assist you .

[rakemaster]

I want to make a copy of a key to a Stanley Best Access lock. But I don't know what kind of blank to get. Apparently there are a bunch of different sections of Best keys. My key has some kind of serial number on it (130AA17) and also a letter stamped on (H). Does that mean I should buy a section H key blank?

This should be obvious, except I found a place to buy the blank, and with section H they say something about section H is actually A1114H, and that doesn't appear in full on the key.

I'd appreciate any advice from someone more knowledgeable than myself. Thanks in advance.


PS. I noticed in some threads while I was searching that posters here get annoyed when people ask for help doing illegal stuff. But I'm making a copy of a key that I already own, the key is to my own storage space (which no one else uses), and I entered into no agreement stating that I would not copy the key, so I am sure it's legal. Don't worry about that.

Yes, the Best H blank is Ilco A1114H.

Note that Best keys are tip-stopped, and aren't easy to copy on a regular key machine (which are designed for shoulder stopped keys). Most Best keys are code cut with a code cutter punch (so to copy a key you decode it and then punch out a new one with a special machine).

If you don't have access to either a Best-type code cutter or a duplicator that can handle tip-stopped keys, you will have trouble making a usable duplicate of a Best key, even with the correct blank.

[Thoobik]

Thanks rakemaster!

Actually I'm planning to do it by hand, with a Dremel. I'm not an expert with the Dremel, so it might be really difficult, but I made a copy of my house key this morning and it worked. I know Best locks are much higher quality than the basic house lock, but I like a challenge, and even if I fail I'll probably learn something!

[freakparade3]

What method of copying do you plan to use? If you plan on clamping the key and the blank together to copy them it's not a good idea. One slip and your original key will be useless. Forget the dremel, use a file.

[Thoobik]

Oh yeah that's a bad idea, I'm not going to do it that way. I've got some files too, but the Dremel is way faster (and more fun!). I copied my house key visually, but my impression is that such a method will be too imprecise for the Best key. Maybe I'll have to think of some way to mark where to cut. This is what makes it fun!

[freakparade3]

Try clamping your key to the blank. Then hold them over a lit candle to smoke the keys. The smoke will mark the blank where the cuts are on your key and leave the rest clear. Then file the smoked parts away.

[rakemaster]

You have a dial caliper, right? If so, just measure the original to learn the
depths of the cuts, and use a file to make your copy, measuring with
your caliper after each couple of strokes as you get close to the
correct depth. You'll also need to mark where to file.