£120 chub padlock

[Ultimatederrenfan]

I recently made friends with a locksmith at his own run shop, he set me a challenge:
1)He gave me a lever lock chub £120 padlock, with 2 keys cut to fit and 2 blanks
2) i have until christmas to cut both keys to open this, then the locksmith will consider hiring me part time,
PROBLEM

I only have a homebase double disk bench grinder which wont (probably) be powerful enough to cut the key, just wear it down, if you have any tips i would be greatful
Dan

[toomush2drink]

Ok lets get this right you have a padlock (chubb battleship ?)with 2 keys that work already and 2 blanks ? If that is right why not just file the blanks down the same as the originals or cheat and take them to a key cutter. Filing may take a little time and patience but it could be done if taken slowly

[Buggs41]

I think the test here, is that the locksmith WANTS him to take the time to file them by hand. If he can't do it, then this is the wrong profession.

[Ultimatederrenfan]

Noy sure as to the model, but i got a quote of £6 which is ok, but i would rather make it myself, i'll probably just file it

PS i have 2 blanks, yes
Dan

[quicklocks]

[Ultimatederrenfan]

hey quiklocks,
that's kind of what i was thinking, along the lines of self gratification, time consuming i know, but want top prove to myself i can do it and as i have been picking about 6 months, it's a fairly big step for me, so i will give it a go, the reason this person gave me this challenge IS to see if i can do it, this is a job test, so if i cheat, im cheating myself.
Thanks everyone, i will give it a go soon
Dan

[toomush2drink]

I must admit i would do it the hard way but i had to mention the other way as somebody else would no doubt. I think you will suceed if you want the job that badly, goodluck

[Mad Mick]

Good luck from me too.

[frollard]

PERSONALLY I'd take the time to hand file one...

ASSUMING you got it working with that one, do the second at another locksmith/on a machine.

shows you have the train of thought to be precise, but fast if you have to.

[Ultimatederrenfan]

hey,
Thanks for the advice everyone, i really want this job so i will give it my best,
thanks for the support,
Dan

[quicklocks]

[cman5uk]

i think that you should make the keys yourself using your bench grinder and any files that you might have, if it works then you will of accomplished something and know you can do it again, i wouldnt cheat by getting the keys cut because 'the guy in the shop' will know, after all he is a locksmith, must be a good lock for £120!

[Ultimatederrenfan]

Yea, supposidly 30% of these things were withdrew due to the fact that they were manufactured poorly, they had tiny holes in which weekend the actual structure, reducing the security level, i will try tonight, post results later

PS i also up dated my picks, which i will post soon on the manual section

[Peaky]

I am supprised he gave you the working keys, i cant see any challenge in copying a key from a working original, i would have given you the lock and blanks asking you to make a key for the lock that would open it, i think you have got a very easy task on your hands, i agree with the others, hand file it down until it works, you may find that by drawing around the working original on to a piece of cardborad, then cutting it out, throw the key part away leaving you with a gauge that you can offer up to your key blank and see how deep you need to go, when close keep trying the key with only taking a little off each time, do it asap and take it back to him, it really should have been done within an hour of him giving it to you to make a good impression.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[raimundo]

do not use any grinder or rotary tool, you cannot succeed with these. use a warding file and have patience. trying to get it fast and easy will not teach you anything except that you cannot do it. A warding file is exactly the tool for the job. take your time, learn something, I doubt that quicklocks made that key for that safe with any grinder. grinders make hamburger.