How to cut a key from a picture?

[cshake]

I've taken some scans and closeup pictures of a key I have and want to be able to cut a copy of it from a blank. I'm wondering how to get accurate dimensions from the image, possibly standard depths that I would match approximate cuts to, or some other reliable way to fabricate it?

The keys are for Best locks, I know the keyway, I can get blanks, but I don't have a cutting machine, I'd have to use a file or dremel. The key I'm going to try (so I can verify it) is for my door, this is simply for learning.

Thanks in advance!

[raimundo]

look for the standard dimensions that are used by the lock company, or get a number of the original cut keys, (no copies) and determine the standards by recording the dimensions you get from them with a caliper, then extapolate the cuts. deepest, shallowest, and the apparent spacing. then figure out what to do with them yourself,

[Stray]

How many people here have best locks on their doors?

only place I've seen them are commercial buildings...

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EDIT:
Why am I saying this, it just sounds too sketchy for me...

1 post...

[unbreakable]

I agree Stray....

[freakparade3]

Best lock keys MUST be accurate to the gnats behind. You will likely not be able to file one by hand and forget using a dremel to make a key.

[WOT]

I've taken some scans and closeup pictures of a key I have and want to be able to cut a copy of it from a blank. I'm wondering how to get accurate dimensions from the image, possibly standard depths that I would match approximate cuts to, or some other reliable way to fabricate it?

The keys are for Best locks, I know the keyway, I can get blanks, but I don't have a cutting machine, I'd have to use a file or dremel. The key I'm going to try (so I can verify it) is for my door, this is simply for learning.

Thanks in advance!

You don't. Take measurements off from the key, then get the bitting. It's most likely an A2 system.

Call in a locksmith and ask for a key by code. Go pick it up the next day.

Go get a master padlock for this kind of thing. Best locks are extremely difficult to duplicate, even with a key machine since you only have to be off a few thousandths to get a key that doesn't work well.

[Stray]

In theory all one would need is ------------ that they can get from a ------- in order to get all the --------- needed. From there, there are two methods of making a matching key. Neither of which I will speak of right now, Since This can be considered an advanced topic...

But I'm sure most of the people who have been here for a while know what I am Talking about and where I'm going with this.


--------
Didn't have a black marker to censor it so I Made an Ad-lib post.

[cshake]

How many people here have best locks on their doors?

only place I've seen them are commercial buildings...

*********************************************
**********************************************
***********************************************
EDIT:
Why am I saying this, it just sounds too sketchy for me...

1 post...

First answer: I was using Best as an example, that's the key to my door because it's a dorm room. Since they have to be that accurate, I'll try the Schlage lock at my house as the first try.

As to 1 post - I've been here since over a year, as you can see, and have been lurking. I've got a homemade pick set from hacksaw blades and a bunch of padlocks that I've bought just to practice on. Sorry for looking sketchy.

[Stray]

If its a dorm room key I wouldn't go around playing with it because although it is your room the lock isn't yours so you can get into shite duplicating "do not duplicate" keys.


And to build up trust from others you should contribute to the forum or show up and write a little. Since your first post after a year is you asking something that can be used for illegal purposes it doesn't help us trust you.

[cshake]

If its a dorm room key I wouldn't go around playing with it because although it is your room the lock isn't yours so you can get into shite duplicating "do not duplicate" keys.


And to build up trust from others you should contribute to the forum or show up and write a little. Since your first post after a year is you asking something that can be used for illegal purposes it doesn't help us trust you.

Point taken, I'll stay away from that key too.

I'd been able to duplicate padlock keys before by clamping the blank to the existing key, and now I'm trying to see if I can do it from dimensions alone and not a solid reference against it. I guess I'll just work on trying to cut one by taking caliper measurements one at at time instead of going all the way to grabbing dimensions from a picture.
Or maybe printing out a scan and putting that next to the blank for less accurate keys.

[josh0094]

How many people here have best locks on their doors?

only place I've seen them are commercial buildings...

*********************************************
**********************************************
***********************************************
EDIT:
Why am I saying this, it just sounds too sketchy for me...

1 post...

ive only ever seen them in corprate buildings.

[raimundo]

actually, best makes architectural lock systems usually installed when a building is new, and part of a large masterkeyed system,

However, buildings are torn down and some of these locks are available in flea markets and from other after market sources. they are very good locks and its worth it to put a best deadlock on your home if there is no code stamped on the front of the plug.

[BrownLeopard]

Can you mount a Best to a wood core door tho?

[Stray]

Point taken, I'll stay away from that key too.

I'd been able to duplicate padlock keys before by clamping the blank to the existing key, and now I'm trying to see if I can do it from dimensions alone and not a solid reference against it. I guess I'll just work on trying to cut one by taking caliper measurements one at at time instead of going all the way to grabbing dimensions from a picture.
Or maybe printing out a scan and putting that next to the blank for less accurate keys.

I'm sure you will figure out how to do it since all one really needs is some image editing software and a bit of math. The better your software the easier it gets.


If you are doing it with an actual picture it is even easier, just you have to know how to use your measuring device of choice accurately.


Sorry but that is the most detail I can give you right now.

[djslacker]

How many people here have best locks on their doors?

only place I've seen them are commercial buildings...

*********************************************
**********************************************
***********************************************
EDIT:
Why am I saying this, it just sounds too sketchy for me...

1 post...

First answer: I was using Best as an example, that's the key to my door because it's a dorm room. Since they have to be that accurate, I'll try the Schlage lock at my house as the first try.

As to 1 post - I've been here since over a year, as you can see, and have been lurking. I've got a homemade pick set from hacksaw blades and a bunch of padlocks that I've bought just to practice on. Sorry for looking sketchy.

First cardinal rule:
"Don't mess with, or ask for help on how to mess with locks that aren't yours."

Second, I'm guessing that with your experience, you're not ready to take a blank and some measurements that you're getting off a picture that are in millimeters, and expect to crank out a working key with a file. I would say buy some cheap locks and enroll in a smithing course to learn how to make keys both with and without a machine.