My very own clam kit

[Dooms_day]

well first i want to know if this would work for a tubular key, obvioulsy it would need a slight modification and some soldering skills

but i also want to know what anyone has come up with as the best polymer that will not shrink/expand or morph while drying. i dont want to get anything too expensive but if clay or playdough doesnt work i can always make something

i am making this mainly for tubular keys so i dont want it to get stuck in the hole so the original key wont work!

[freakparade3]

Why would you need to do this for tubular keys? I really don't think it will work anyway.

[Squelchtone]

i am making this mainly for tubular keys so i dont want it to get stuck in the hole so the original key wont work!

you know, a Coke only costs 85 cents in the machine, and maybe $1.00 for a King size Snickers, so is there really a need to raid the machine by impressioning a key for it?

of course, if thats not what you're up to, just ignore my comments.

[LP_Sean]

Why not use Silly Putty? It doesn't dry out like play-dough does. Is it too sticky or cant handle liquid solder?

[Safety0ff]

Why not use Silly Putty? It doesn't dry out like play-dough does. Is it too sticky or cant handle liquid solder?

If you're going for something that doesn't dry up there's synthetic clay. Look it up. One brand I know makes it is alumilite.

[dougfarre]

Synthetic Clay? Last time I checked I have been using the same piece of green clay to make my impressions over, and over again. I don't even keep it in a plastic bag when I am not using it, I just close it off in a dark place.

[Safety0ff]

Nevermind about synthetic or not. Most clays stay pliable until baked.

[Kaotik]

Synthetic Clay? Last time I checked I have been using the same piece of green clay to make my impressions over, and over again. I don't even keep it in a plastic bag when I am not using it, I just close it off in a dark place.

Sounds to me like an oil based clay similar to Kleen Klay - A non-drying modeling clay. I tried this but it didn't hold up to the high temperatures of the alloy. The oil seemed to sizzle and deform the mold.

Would you be more specific about what kind of clay you are using instead of just "Same piece of green clay" please?

[dougfarre]

Yea, it came with the lockmaster's clam kit and its green There is some clay at walmart in the art/craft area with all different colors and they had similar consistency and feel. On the box it said non-drying. I imagine it would behave the same.

[freakparade3]

The non drying clay available at wal-mart works to make yout kit but must be sealed up. I found after a month or so it was to dry to work with and had to start over.

[Dooms_day]

hey lol if i was trying to get a coke, and i had the key to impression...id just get it copied, i just want to learn how to do the impressioning and want to know if its possible on a tubular lock, i see impressioning a pin tubler the clay-way as pointless because you can either pick it, or do the blank key method

[Kaotik]

hey lol if i was trying to get a coke, and i had the key to impression...id just get it copied.

With that statement you seem to be asking for trouble. Besides, if you do have the key you must be a legit vendor? Then I ask " What would be the point in making a copy of a key you already have and have a reason to possess"?

[Safety0ff]

With that statement you seem to be asking for trouble.

The coke comment originaly came from Squelchtone's comment above on this page:

you know, a Coke only costs 85 cents in the machine, and maybe $1.00 for a King size Snickers, so is there really a need to raid the machine by impressioning a key for it?

of course, if thats not what you're up to, just ignore my comments.

Then I ask " What would be the point in making a copy of a key you already have and have a reason to possess"?

I'd make a copy of a key I already have a reason to possess simply to see if I can and to see how the results compare to the original key...

i see impressioning a pin tubler the clay-way as pointless because you can either pick it, or do the blank key method

Now why'd you have to go and say that? Just try and think of the possibilities where this could be useful (broken keys, temporary copies, James Bond style scenarios .)

To answer your question, yes it would work, and probably better than with inline pin tumbler locks. I'd recommend using something else to provide the tension if you're worried about it getting stuck (like do the impression and cut out the tensioner part of the key and use a small hex/allen to turn it (you might have to grind it square if it doesn't fit.)

[Kaotik]

Hmmm, I guess nobody knows sarcasm anymore.

[raimundo]

Sarcasm, satire, cynicism, Umm, Im skeptical.
This chasm may be a wormhole.