Curtis key cutter manual?

by **rescueguy** » 27 Aug 2007 20:20

Ok I said years ago that I was never going to cut keys.

So my Dad bought me this curtis key cutter with about 1200 blanks for $2.00 at an auction.

The machine looks like it came from a department store its beige and most of the bulk is a plastic case that is at least twice as long as the actual machine.

The rear of the working part of the machine has a vertical post thats hidden in the cover to hold the blank stand.

Most of the blanks are automotive but many are also common houseold key blanks.

I cant find a model number anywhere on the thing but I tend to think its a curtis #14 or #15?

Any help is appreciated.

TIA

Tracy

by **keysman** » 30 Aug 2007 10:10

Hard to tell what you are talking about .. is this a manual.... as in Handheld Cutter or are you looking for a manual.. as in book for an automatic machine?

Please Post a picture

by **5thcorps** » 30 Aug 2007 11:37

Picture required for further help

by **rescueguy** » 30 Aug 2007 17:19

Ok Here are some pics on my server.

here is the front and side with the big plastic cover on.

http://www.albert-cordova.com/key/front.jpg
http://www.albert-cordova.com/key/side.jpg

This is the innards with the cover removed.

http://www.albert-cordova.com/key/coverless.jpg

If you need any more details please let me know, My first key off the machine dont quite work. It opens my shed door but I need to wiggle it around to make it work. I think the machine needs a little ajustment? Or I am not doing something quite right?

TIA

by **unbreakable** » 30 Aug 2007 18:21

Yeah, it could be off 2 ways it the key semi works.

If you have to wiggle in and out, the shoulder guide may need ajusting, although most are fixed, or so I think.

Or, if you wiggle up and down, the depth could be off (more likely I think). You need to make sure the wheel and the tracer both are in line so to speak.

Without dedicated keys to do this (these keys are a flat key, with no warding, and a single 9 cut, and come with some machines), you can put two blanks into the clamps, and rest the cutting wheel onto one of the blanks. Adjust the tracer until it touches the blank as the cutting wheel does, with no gap between the tracer and the blank and without lifting up the cutting wheel off the other blank.

A closeup of the tracer assembly will get you further direstions on how to make this adjustment :wink:

by **keysman** » 30 Aug 2007 18:37

Curtis 2000 automatic

Curtis+2000+Repair+Manual
http://lockshop.us/Curtis+2000+Repair+Manual.pdf

by **rescueguy** » 30 Aug 2007 18:55

Wiggling the key up and down gains entry.

I have identified the EA-3 blanks from the bucket full as the correct blank.

I have half a 5 gallon bucket full of blanks and no clue what all the IDs mean.

The crystler and chevy blanks are easy. V24, Y2, EL3, EA27,AR4,SE1, Y4, WR3, WK2, TR29, CO94, IN20, and DE1 are like a different language right now. I learned how to program PIC microprossosors in a couple weeks so i will figure it out eventually. Is there a cross reference for key blanks like electronics has for semiconductor devices?

I have 2 kids to sort things out. :lol:

Is there a good way to sort the bucket.

P.S. I make enough money as a lineman to pay the bills, This is still just a hobbie.

I will work on close up pics this weekend, need good light and a tripod with my camera.

TIA.

by **rescueguy** » 30 Aug 2007 20:15

keysman wrote:Curtis 2000 automatic

Curtis+2000+Repair+Manual
http://lockshop.us/Curtis+2000+Repair+Manual.pdf

Thanks keysman that is my machine.

Got a bunch more to learn.

by **unbreakable** » 30 Aug 2007 21:07

rescueguy wrote:The crystler and chevy blanks are easy. V24, Y2, EL3, EA27,AR4,SE1, Y4, WR3, WK2, TR29, CO94, IN20, and DE1 are like a different language right now.

Often, the first 2 letters indicates what brand of lock the key fits.

It would be a good idea to download a key catalog or two from Ilco, and familiarize yourself with it. Also, do the keys have any other names on them? ex. curtis, ilco, silica, jet..

Y2- ?yale?
EL3- ??
EA23- eagle
AR4- arrow
SE1- segal
WR3- weiser
WK2- ??
TR29- ??
CO94- corbin
IN20- ??
DE1- dexter

by **keysman** » 30 Aug 2007 21:24

unbreakable wrote:Often, the first 2 letters indicates what brand of lock the key fits.

It would be a good idea to download a key catalog or two from Ilco, and familiarize yourself with it. Also, do the keys have any other names on them? ex. curtis, ilco, silica, jet..

Y2- ?yale? = YALE 6 PIN
EL3- ??
EA23- eagle
AR4- arrow
SE1- segal
WR3- weiser
WK2- ??
TR29- ??
CO94- corbin
IN20- ??
DE1- dexter

Y2- ?yale? = YALE 6 PIN
EL3- ??= ELGIN
EA23- eagle
AR4- arrow
SE1- segal
WR3- weiser
WK2- ??= WESLOCK
TR29- ?? = TOYOTA
CO94- corbin
IN20- ??I= NDEPENDENT LOCK Co
DE1- dexter

Curtis key cutter manual?

Curtis key cutter manual?

Who is online