Entry-Level Manual Key Machine

[misterj]

I've been giving thought to buying a <$400 key duplicator. I find that I'm constantly driving out to the locksmith to have a key or two cut for myself, the library I volunteer at, etc. I find that I only work with around a dozen different keyways so it would be feasible to stock all the blanks I would need. The costs would probably never balance out, but it would be neat to have.

Also, on occasion I'll rekey a Schlage lock for one reason or another and I've been limited to the bittings of some random keys I have laying around. I could get depth keys, I suppose, and code cut a key that way even though it would be a little tedious.

Looks like the two options out there are the Ilco Mini-Mite 008 and HPC Mini Speedex 9120RM. Anyone have any experience with either of these?

Thanks!

[keysman]

I have and use a HPC Mini , It is Ok for small jobs . I like that I easily can carry it to the job ( think 20 story buildings) and duplicate keys .
I use an 800 watt inverter in the truck and have never had a problem with the Speedex drawing too much power. Some of the bigger machines sometimes have a problem at startup with a smaller inverter.
It might work well for what you want to do .. duplicate an occasional key or 2 .

If you have a $400 budget, you might want to consider a used machine. Key machines in general are pretty hard to wear out,, most are built to make 10s of thousands of keys before a major overhaul.
Check Craigs list or depending on your location there may be a local dealer in used locksmith supplies, I have also picked some good machines at yard sales / estate sales. Yard sales are good because they will often include key blanks , extra parts , locks etc. in the sale.

Space and Depth keys.. Good way to go for the small jobs … they may take a little more time than a code machine , but they cost 1/500 what a code machine does. Many locksmiths started out using S&D keys and still use them on a regular basis.

[misterj]

Thanks! Your post was very helpful.

I've just started looking on EBay and Craigslist for a machine, but haven't had much of any luck so far. I agree that it would be ideal to get a nice older machine.

I'd say 75% of the stuff I usually need to duplicate is Schlage...C, E, and Everest keyways. Otherwise, there's a few smaller file-cabinet type keys (NA14 and Y11 mostly), an AR1 or KW1 sometimes, and that's really about it. I use SFIC for the library I take care of tech and security for, but Tim Monte (runs a mail-order SFIC business out of his home for something to do now that he's retired) takes care of the cores and keys for me. He does great work and his prices are more than reasonable. I've heard it's not ideal to cut Best stuff on anything but a punch anyway because the tolerances are so tight.

[wry415]

Re: Tim Monte ... I can without hesitation endorse his services. He's been able to accomodate every request I've made, no matter how small, simple, large, or complex, with amazing speed and exceptional customer service. I live quite near him, so perhaps that accounts for some of the speedy delivery, but he's even gotten complicated multiplex keyway systems out to me within a few days. Also, his prices are absolutely, positively unbeatable.

[Gozzo]

I did a goggle search and ended up at alibaba.com and got a basic manual machine for less than $400aud its just a single bevel machine but does a great job with standard type keys.

[gibson]

keysman is right on about the speedex mini. it's lightweight and accurate, and compared to the foley-belsaw machine, quiet. When you check out Craigs list, trying to find anything under 'key' or 'machine' brings up a lot of unwanted stuff. Trying looking under 'locksmith' under 'sale'. You might be able to find a machine from a locksmith going out of business.

[gswimfrk]

Who is this Tim guy you guys speak of? I have a large amount of SFICs going to my buildings. Does any have TIm's contact information/website/ pricing?

Thanks,

Gswimfrk

[gswimfrk]

With regards to the keymachines... I have purchased a chinese brand "Wenxing" Key machines from Mainland China on vacation... they are very high quality and have 10x the features than other machines at a fraction of the cost. I recommend you check them out!! I know they sell machines into the US and are gaining popularity because of their quality and competitive pricing. You can get a semi-auto for the price of a manual key machine. =D Check them out!! I believe www.lockpicks.com has them...

[misterj]

Who is this Tim guy you guys speak of? I have a large amount of SFICs going to my buildings. Does any have TIm's contact information/website/ pricing?

Thanks,

Gswimfrk

Tim Monte is out in California...his email address is bestcores <AT> mchsi.com

I live across the country and he usually has my requests out in the mail on the same day or the next day. His prices are awesome and his work is top-notch. Definitely shoot him an email, I can't possibly say enough good about him.

[misterj]

Re: Tim Monte ... I can without hesitation endorse his services. He's been able to accomodate every request I've made, no matter how small, simple, large, or complex, with amazing speed and exceptional customer service. I live quite near him, so perhaps that accounts for some of the speedy delivery, but he's even gotten complicated multiplex keyway systems out to me within a few days. Also, his prices are absolutely, positively unbeatable.

Agreed. I'm across the country and usually get anything I ask for within a couple of days. He's absolutely great.


Regarding the key machines, I ended up going with an HPC Speedex Premier, and I'm happy with it. Pretty accurate and I've cut a bunch of the typical Schlage, Arrow, Kwikset stuff on it. I've cut a couple of Bests in a pinch, but it's a pain without the tip-stop accessory and I'm not sure if I'd be able to get more than one generation out of those.

[Gozzo]

My machine is a wenxing, that I sourced through a link on Alibaba.com. The company had every type available. and the prices were way better than anywhere else. Had full range of blanks including transponder keys and machines. they sell a Chevrolet branded one that fits late model holdens as well for the Australian members from memory they were $2.50 each with a minimum order of one. I cant recommend them highly enough. I wouldn't totally overlook them while your looking thats if your still looking. They also had full range of tools.( picks Pick guns Safe tools ) everything
Gozzo

[bjornnrojb]

Sorry to resurrect a dead thread but wanted to add that I bought a Wenxing 233a and I love the stupid thing. I got it for $150 because the guy I bought it from lost a part to it. I replaced the part with random lock parts lying around on my desk and got it working really well. It cuts fast, faster than a bravo iii. The depth adjustment is very simple and intuitive. Jaws are easy to switch.
Caveats:
the jaw for grabbing car keys is too dull and doesn't go into the grooves of a lot of car keys. The lever often gets brass shavings stuck in the ball or whatever that it slides through and it jams up sometimes. It sometimes jams up because the shoulder stop gets caught, which I think is a simple design flaw. It is really heavy, not portable at all. This is a bench machine, not suitable for in a vehicle.

If you want to start out as a locksmith, you are better off with depth keys and a HPC 9120RM for which you can buy a code cutter attachment if business goes well for you. You can easily put one in your vehicle and it doesn't use lots of electricity or take up much space, it isn't very heavy so your gas mileage doesn't take a hit either.
If you need a bench machine, think about getting a Wenxing semi auto duplicator. Mine is manual and it is very accurate, but only if you put the time into it to make sure every corner of the key is cut into. It takes over twice as long for me to cut a key I would sell on my Wenxing 233a as it does on the bravo III.
If you do get a Wenxing, look at the shipping charges and then when you get your breath back look for a used one stateside (or in whatever country you are in).