Which Medeco keyway is this?

[wry415]

I have a few keyswitches and camlocks in this keyway ...





It appears to be the same one used in the S&G military padlocks of the era, and I've heard it referred to as 60, 61, 63, and 65. I've seen it used on payphones (remember those?), and found it in federal government/military surplus auctions. My guess is that it's one of the most restricted keyways from the Original line (but not as restricted as the Omega program, of course). I've never seen an aftermarket blank in this keysection, so clearly it's more restricted than 04 ("Sky"), which required card authorization.

Can anyone tell me which keyway this is for certain? Is it a factory-restricted keyway, or do suppliers and/or locksmiths stock it? Is there a particular process for key duplication?

Thanks for any input you can provide!

[gloves]

I have a few keyswitches and camlocks in this keyway ...





It appears to be the same one used in the S&G military padlocks of the era, and I've heard it referred to as 60, 61, 63, and 65. I've seen it used on payphones (remember those?), and found it in federal government/military surplus auctions. My guess is that it's one of the most restricted keyways from the Original line (but not as restricted as the Omega program, of course). I've never seen an aftermarket blank in this keysection, so clearly it's more restricted than 04 ("Sky"), which required card authorization.

Can anyone tell me which keyway this is for certain? Is it a factory-restricted keyway, or do suppliers and/or locksmiths stock it? Is there a particular process for key duplication?

Thanks for any input you can provide!

By reading just "Medeco" and "UL" on its face it reminds me of Medeco Original, thogh the keyway seems modified. Could it be a particular version of the Medeco Original?

[wry415]

It's definitely from the Original product line. I happen to know that it's not Biaxial or m3, but the absence of a Biaxial logo or m3 logo on the face of the cylinder are other indicators that it's Original.

[Evan]

It's definitely from the Original product line. I happen to know that it's not Biaxial or m3, but the absence of a Biaxial logo or m3 logo on the face of the cylinder are other indicators that it's Original.

@wry415:

If it isn't Air or Sky (or one of the other keyways that are available after-market at a non-Medeco authorized/certified locksmith/dealer,) without the imprint cards NO duplicate keys will be made... Period... Even on off-patent keyways authorized dealers are still required to see the imprint card to produce a duplicate key under the terms of their contract with Medeco...

You can always have your locks re-keyed to a new bitting combination and have new imprint cards issued to you -- but no card(s) no key(s)...

~~ Evan

[FarmerFreak]

Other than pointing out the obvious/already stated fact that it's a restricted keyway. If you really really want a key for that cylinder you should try to find someone (most likely a locksmith) with this tool, or one like it. http://www.mbausa.com/Files/keyway%20king%20manual.pdf
But I'm willing to bet it will cost you more than simply buying a new Medeco lock on a different keyway.

[wry415]

I have two keys for this particular switchlock, but thanks for the suggestions. I was interested in the specific keywway designation because I'm fascinated by Medeco and its seemingly endless array of interestingly-milled keyways . . .