Can't copy tubular key

[MortimerDuke]

I took some tubular keys to a locksmith to have copies made. One key was no problem, but he said that any copy he made of the other would not work, as the key was "cut off". A different locksmith had tried (and failed) to make a copy but did not say there was a problem with the key. The key I have operates the lock, but I would like to have a spare.
I can post a photo of the key later, but I cannot find anything wrong with it as far as length or missing nibs.
Why would my key work now, but be "uncopyable"?

[cledry]

I took some tubular keys to a locksmith to have copies made. One key was no problem, but he said that any copy he made of the other would not work, as the key was "cut off". A different locksmith had tried (and failed) to make a copy but did not say there was a problem with the key. The key I have operates the lock, but I would like to have a spare.
I can post a photo of the key later, but I cannot find anything wrong with it as far as length or missing nibs.
Why would my key work now, but be "uncopyable"?

I am guessing the machine used to duplicate is one that requires the key to be decoded. The locksmith probably noticed that the key is reading incorrectly. A Scotsman will generally make a regular tubular key just like the one brought in.

[MortimerDuke]

I had two keys copied, both for Ace locks. One was copied fine, the other was not. I got the impression that there was some flaw in my key that prevented it from being copied. I was in a hurry so I didn't get the details from the locksmith. I will stop back by there tomorrow.

[MacGyver101]

There are at least a couple of tubular lock designs that use offset pins: the pins (and the corresponding cuts on the keys) aren't evenly spaced around the face of the lock. I wonder if, when he said your key is "cut off", he actually meant "the spacing of the cuts around the outside is 'off'". (Just a guess: his cutter may not be set up for offset cutting?)

[MortimerDuke]

The locksmith told me the nib inside the key is missing ("cut off"). Looks like I have an excuse to splurge for a tubular lockpick now.

[MacGyver101]

The locksmith told me the nib inside the key is missing ("cut off").

Ah, okay: he's likely then concerned that the duplicate key won't fit, rather than being unable to make the copy.

[cledry]

The locksmith told me the nib inside the key is missing ("cut off"). Looks like I have an excuse to splurge for a tubular lockpick now.

Some tubular machines use the inside nib to align the key on the guide side for example a Scotsman machine. Without the inside nib they would need to measure and decode the cuts to cut them. A simple enough process even with a simple machine like a Scotsman.

[MortimerDuke]

Some tubular machines use the inside nib to align the key on the guide side for example a Scotsman machine. Without the inside nib they would need to measure and decode the cuts to cut them. A simple enough process even with a simple machine like a Scotsman.

That's what he said the inside nib was for, and, like you, I didn't think it would be difficult to decode the old key and make a new one. However, he said it would require a $75 service call. Since I'm not in a bind for a key, this is a good time for me to learn about tubular keys and picks.
He also took exception to me calling a tubular pick a lockpick, and while I guess it is technically a decoder, it seemed odd.

[Evan]

Some tubular machines use the inside nib to align the key on the guide side for example a Scotsman machine. Without the inside nib they would need to measure and decode the cuts to cut them. A simple enough process even with a simple machine like a Scotsman.

That's what he said the inside nib was for, and, like you, I didn't think it would be difficult to decode the old key and make a new one. However, he said it would require a $75 service call. Since I'm not in a bind for a key, this is a good time for me to learn about tubular keys and picks.
He also took exception to me calling a tubular pick a lockpick, and while I guess it is technically a decoder, it seemed odd.

@MortimerDuke:

It sounds like the locksmith is happy to copy a key, but not decode it and provide you a code cut key without field verification that the lock which said key operates belongs to you... Some locksmiths are finicky like that... Plus he wants to make sure that the key works in the lock rather than having you keep coming back with keys that just aren't working...

~~ Evan

[MortimerDuke]

It sounds like the locksmith is happy to copy a key, but not decode it and provide you a code cut key without field verification that the lock which said key operates belongs to you... Some locksmiths are finicky like that... Plus he wants to make sure that the key works in the lock rather than having you keep coming back with keys that just aren't working...

Maybe...but he copied a different tubular key on the same visit, and my business is less than a half-mile from his shop. I may be (probably am) overly cynical, but the field call seemed unnecessary.

[2octops]

Maybe...but he copied a different tubular key on the same visit, and my business is less than a half-mile from his shop. I may be (probably am) overly cynical, but the field call seemed unnecessary.

If we have to move our van even from one parking lot to another, there is a service call involved because it's not on the same physical property.

Take your lock to him if you want to save the service call. After all, it's less than half-mile away.

[MortimerDuke]

Take your lock to him if you want to save the service call. After all, it's less than half-mile away.

I completely understand a service charge if he so much as walks out the door of his business. My half-mile remark was meant to convey that if he decoded the key and made a copy that didn't work, it was no problem for me to stop back by the shop.

If I was in some sort of fix I would remove the lock and take it in. However, I don't know much about tubular locks and this seems like good excuse to buy a good tubular pick with a business check.

[Ward]

I've made a copy of a tubular lock key using dremel tool to cut into a blank, but if you can take the lock to the 'smith, you'd be better off.