Key Duplication Question

[metroid9824]

Is it possible to duplicate a key by getting a key blank, and tape the original key to the back of the blank, and cutting the key. I don't have a key cutter, so is there another tool I could to cut the key?

[Buggs41]

That is one way you can duplicate a key. Only problem is if you file any deeper on the original key, it will no longer operate the lock.

[bumber]

That is one way you can duplicate a key. Only problem is if you file any deeper on the original key, it will no longer operate the lock.

and for some locks you have to cut the key really close so you may not be able to without tearing up your blank...

[Trip Doctor]

If you have a caliper, it would help a lot , because .. you know, it's kinda hard to tape to the nearest 100s of an inch.

[MacGnG1]

wont u most likely also cut into the original if u aren't careful?

[globallockytoo]

Is it possible to duplicate a key by getting a key blank, and tape the original key to the back of the blank, and cutting the key. I don't have a key cutter, so is there another tool I could to cut the key?

Actually in Malaysia (Kualar Lumpar), I know that locksmiths on the street (peddlars) actually do not have machines. They get a blank, line it up side by side with the original, put vise grips (locking pliers) on the head and use an impression file. Finishing by using needle files.

I remember seeing it done, it is quite unique.......so Yes is the answer to your question.

[WOT]

Is it possible to duplicate a key by getting a key blank, and tape the original key to the back of the blank, and cutting the key. I don't have a key cutter, so is there another tool I could to cut the key?

Yeah, but do it with a key to an extra padlock you don't really need or the like just so you can show off you can do it.

It'd be stupid to do it with a key you need. If you are doing this because you need the duplicate, why not just have a hardware store or a locksmith do it for you since you'll have to make the same trip to buy that blank anyways?

[jimb]

This is one of the lessons in the FB Course. It's easier to do if you have a tear drop shaped file such as a pippin file. Take a marker and color the top of the key blade and slopes of the original, that way you can tell if you are hitting the original with your file. Go slowly.

Be careful not to insert the key in the lock if the slopes are too steep or you will have a heck of a time getting it out. As already mentioned a caliper makes it a lot easier.

[metroid9824]

What if I traced the key onto a piece of paper, and cut the paper out, and atteched it to the blank. I wouldn't have to worry about cutting the original. Would this also work? Thanks for all of your replies. I do have a vice/caliper.

[globallockytoo]

What if I traced the key onto a piece of paper, and cut the paper out, and atteched it to the blank. I wouldn't have to worry about cutting the original. Would this also work? Thanks for all of your replies. I do have a vice/caliper.

Tracing will make the key have shallower depths. If there is a lot of tolerance in the lock, this could work....but not advised.

[jimb]

What if I traced the key onto a piece of paper, and cut the paper out, and atteched it to the blank. I wouldn't have to worry about cutting the original. Would this also work? Thanks for all of your replies. I do have a vice/caliper.

This would get you spacing correct and you could use you caliper to get the correct depth. The depth is the most important part of the cuts. You can be off on the slopes and the key will still work as long as the depths are correct. You just need to make sure you slop the cuts enough that the key won't get stuck. If you slope them too much the key will still work, too little and you will have a problem. The cuts can be wider than the original.

[metroid9824]

What exactly do you mean sloping the cuts?

[jimb]

What exactly do you mean sloping the cuts?

If you don't get enough angle on the slopes the key will not enter or exit the lock, depending on which side of the valley is too straight up and down.

[metroid9824]

Thank you, you all have been a great help.

[metroid9824]

Thank you, you all have been a great help.