abloy protec A7A vs A7L

[rble]

Just purchased several abloy padlocks from the UK. They came with a Protec core, but the keys are A7L, not the A7A that I have here. Key fits, but the end of the keys are cut differently, so they do not insert all the way into the keyway. The question is can these cores be rekeyed to the A7A blank.

I am new to this forum, so pardon me if I am asking this question in the wrong place. Thanks....

[Wizer]

I´m not very familiar with Protec, but...
In theory a Protec core can be rekeyed to fit any Protec profile/key.
Since the keys are still under protection of design, and are sold only by authorised Abloy dealers, the discs are allso impossible to get.
So if you would like to rekey your padlocks, you would have to go to an Abloy certified locksmith, get keys and keycard and all.
They will most likely sell you the whole kit and caboodle.
If you have extra locks you could use the parts and do it yourself.

[Evan]

I´m not very familiar with Protec, but...
In theory a Protec core can be rekeyed to fit any Protec profile/key.
Since the keys are still under protection of design, and are sold only by authorised Abloy dealers, the discs are allso impossible to get.
So if you would like to rekey your padlocks, you would have to go to an Abloy certified locksmith, get keys and keycard and all.
They will most likely sell you the whole kit and caboodle.
If you have extra locks you could use the parts and do it yourself.

The answer the OP is looking for is both "Yes" and "No"...

Without modifying the locks from how they are currently configured: No...

To make the locks all work from the same key would require swapping some of the profile discs in some of the locks so that one or the other key can fully enter all of the locks...

You would need to be able to locate a local service center which has the profile discs you are seeking available to them or you are looking at having to locate a dealer that can service your particular desired keyway profile...

~~ Evan

[mh]

Or, depending on your requirements and mechanical ability, just use a file.

Cheers
mh

[Evan]

Or, depending on your requirements and mechanical ability, just use a file.

Cheers
mh

@mh:

Perhaps for hobby use but I doubt that manually filing cylinder components would be a wise idea for locks covered by the manufacturer's warranty or that are required to be UL certified as handmade components would not have been tested to any known standard... You know, like for locks actually being used as locks, not practice or display...

~~ Evan

[rble]

Thank you for the helpful replies. I received 3 more 340s today from the UK today, again with the A7L key. I live in WA state, and will send these to Security Snobs for re-keying. Hopefully no problems. It makes me wonder, with all the restrictions with key blanks, and having to have an authorization card, how are all of these locks available, especially in the UK? They are on ebay, and the Protec padlock runs the whole spectrum, from the the 330's to the 362s. A lot are sold for dirt cheap, compared to retail. Makes me wonder where these sellers are getting the locks. A black market for Abloy locks.... Any ideas? Thanks. Enjoy the forum

[Evan]

Thank you for the helpful replies. I received 3 more 340s today from the UK today, again with the A7L key. I live in WA state, and will send these to Security Snobs for re-keying. Hopefully no problems. It makes me wonder, with all the restrictions with key blanks, and having to have an authorization card, how are all of these locks available, especially in the UK? They are on ebay, and the Protec padlock runs the whole spectrum, from the the 330's to the 362s. A lot are sold for dirt cheap, compared to retail. Makes me wonder where these sellers are getting the locks. A black market for Abloy locks.... Any ideas? Thanks. Enjoy the forum

@rble:

Often times a lot of the stuff sold on eBay as far as locks are concerned are "found" items or things that were laying around the office where someone worked not being used and fell prey to the "five finger discount"...

~~ Evan

[Pickmequick]

Pardon the very late reply to this topic but I can answer this...............

The "cheap" Abloy locks on UK Ebay are ex military locks and all come stamped with PT 1604 and A7L keyway.

I don't work for these btw http://www.barnsleylockandsafe.co.uk/Category-315/ But when i brought mine, this info was what I found from searching.

I have taken some apart and they don't appear to be mastered so yes, a good price for quality imo.