Cutting Using "Depth Keys"

[Urbex]

I've done some searching, and can't seem to find any information on how to cut using depth keys.

We have a small key cutting machine, and I have no idea how to cut keys using depths. I have a set of Schlage depth keys I will be working with.

I'm re-keying the facility I work at, the lock system is in shambles. All of the doors use 5 pin Schlage cylinders, and I need to master key all of the doors. My plan was to keep the first two pin depths constant, and the other three depths will vary.

I just need to know how I would go about cutting a key with the code 55XXX using depth keys.

Any help will be much appreciated!

[Urbex]

I found a little more information on my problem...

A few things I found say I should make my highest cuts first, then work my way down to the deepest cuts.

I'm worried that the different cuts won't align correctly. If I put the depth keys in the exact same location on the clamp, would it keep the cuts properly spaced?

I hope someone has experience with this method of code cutting.

[Eyes_Only]

If you have a decent key machine thats properly calibrated and the depth keys arn't worn it should be ok. Schlage kinda has closer tolerances but more forgiving than a lock like BEST.

[Jaakko]

IA few things I found say I should make my highest cuts first, then work my way down to the deepest cuts.

This is true. Someone on this forum suggested to cut the cuts proggressively, as in when cutting number one cut, cut also every other cut deeper than one. Then switch to the next cut depth key and cut where necessary, continuing this way until the whole key is cut. This way the cuts come out nice and sharp.

I'm worried that the different cuts won't align correctly. If I put the depth keys in the exact same location on the clamp, would it keep the cuts properly spaced?

The key should have either a shoulder stop or tip stop, so when you clamp the key to a machine using the keys stop, it is always properly located. Just keep your machine calibrated and it works

[WOT]

Why not just order them from Schlage directly, or have a local locksmith fill your order? You might get a better rate than having just one key made.

Making dozens of keys from depth keys? No way. That's like writing an entire essay on an ordinary cell phone keypad.

[keysman]

I'm re-keying the facility I work at, the lock system is in shambles. All of the doors use 5 pin Schlage cylinders, and I need to master key all of the doors. My plan was to keep the first two pin depths constant, and the other three depths will vary.

Why not just order them from Schlage directly, or have a local locksmith fill your order? You might get a better rate than having just one key made.

Making dozens of keys from depth keys? No way. That's like writing an entire essay on an ordinary cell phone keypad.

Wot is correct, trying to cut more than a few keys with S&D keys is a nightmare.

For a masterkey system you NEED the keys to be accurate. You can purchase different code machines to cut your keys .. Keil # 1 can be purchased used for $200 and will do the job well . No it is not an ITL950 but it will do an accurate job .
You might also want to look into a Blue Punch.( Prolock)

You may want to look into designing master key systems.. the system you suggest only has 125 changes ( you need to have at least 2 depths for a master pin ) you will find out you are out of changes very soon.
Other wise you might ask around localy or internet about having someone design your system and cut keys for you . It might be cheeper/ faster to do it that way, without the expense of a machine or the time involved to design the sysytem .
Contact me if you need any more information .

[WOT]

You may want to look into designing master key systems.. the system you suggest only has 125 changes ( you need to have at least 2 depths for a master pin ) you will find out you are out of changes very soon.
Other wise you might ask around localy or internet about having someone design your system and cut keys for you . It might be cheeper/ faster to do it that way, without the expense of a machine or the time involved to design the sysytem .
Contact me if you need any more information .

In the land of high labor cost, wouldn't it be cheaper for him to simply consult with Schlage sales, tell them the layout, how he wants to setup the grouping, then order cylinders en masse w/ 2 change keys/cyl , dump the old cylinders on fleaBay and have maintenance change out the cylinders?

[keysman]

In the land of high labor cost, wouldn't it be cheaper for him to simply consult with Schlage sales, tell them the layout, how he wants to setup the grouping, then order cylinders en masse w/ 2 change keys/cyl , dump the old cylinders on fleaBay and have maintenance change out the cylinders?

Schlage sales may or may not wish to handle a small account, worst case they would refer you to a local locksmith to work with you .. either way it is more cost effective, time wise to get the system set up professionally then attempt to design the system , cut the keys and rekey the locks yourself .

[WOT]

Anyways, back to topic.

How do people do the trailing edge when you cut with depth key if you have a key machine with a bevel? If I had a machine with bevel on both sides, my life woudl be easier... better if I had an HPC 1200...

[Urbex]

The company will not spend the money to have it done professionally, theres nothing that can be changed about that.

I ordered a few tools, they should be here tomorrow. Time to start making progress on the system!

[HeadHunterCEO]

I've done some searching, and can't seem to find any information on how to cut using depth keys.

We have a small key cutting machine, and I have no idea how to cut keys using depths. I have a set of Schlage depth keys I will be working with.

I'm re-keying the facility I work at, the lock system is in shambles. All of the doors use 5 pin Schlage cylinders, and I need to master key all of the doors. My plan was to keep the first two pin depths constant, and the other three depths will vary.

I just need to know how I would go about cutting a key with the code 55XXX using depth keys.

Any help will be much appreciated!

gee no wonder the system is in shambles.Are you kidding me?
please post your results as it gives me a reason to check this board from time to time

[raimundo]

As they said above, it may be easier to order the keys you need from a locksmith, then key the cylinders to them.

You seem to have a basic grasp of how to use them, just put a key in for the depth you want, and cut that place. and put the next depth key in for the other depth, etc.

if you start with the shallowest cut, you can cut the whole depth key on the blank, then for the next shallowest cut, cut all the spaces that are for its height, and deeper, but pass over the previous shallow cut, then repeat.

If your machine does not have the double bevel, just cut for the depths and do the cam slopes with a file, which is easy if you are good with a file.

If you feel you need the machine to do the slopes, you can derive a slope from the front of a keyblank. it may take five to ten minutes per key by this way.

[WOT]

As they said above, it may be easier to order the keys you need from a locksmith, then key the cylinders to them.

You seem to have a basic grasp of how to use them, just put a key in for the depth you want, and cut that place. and put the next depth key in for the other depth, etc.

if you start with the shallowest cut, you can cut the whole depth key on the blank, then for the next shallowest cut, cut all the spaces that are for its height, and deeper, but pass over the previous shallow cut, then repeat.

If your machine does not have the double bevel, just cut for the depths and do the cam slopes with a file, which is easy if you are good with a file.

If you feel you need the machine to do the slopes, you can derive a slope from the front of a keyblank. it may take five to ten minutes per key by this way.

I still find it cumbersome. I can originate keys for Best Access Systems locks, but alignment is always difficult and yield of well working key isn't that impressive, but good enough for hobbyists.

[Raymond]

Urbex, have been using depth keys for about 40 years now. I still use them for everything except Best in my truck. I have an ITL code cutter in the shop where I can prepare my larger jobs but I still use the depth keys on the fly. Forgive me for disagreeing with most of the previous posts but you CAN do your system using depth keys -- it just will not be as fast.

There are a lot of tricks to make things easier - probably too many to begin listing.

To put a clean angle of the vertical side of a deep cut either turn the blank around an cut it again on your machine or use a file. I don't remember where I heard of this trick but I use it constantly to make all my keys go in and out of the lock more easily. Take a triangle file and grind the cutting edge off of one corner. Smooth and polish this dull corner so it cannot cut downward. Now to make your key slope, just use this file and tilt it to cut the desired slope. It will put on the angle without changing the depth.

LOL

[raimundo]

Raymond is old school. I never understood why code machines that were so expensive were necessary given that they only replaced depth keys, but some people have depth keys that may be second gen or even third, and some key machines never get quite adjusted,

Still for doing it fast, the code machine is the way to go now a days.