My home made barrel key collection (& how to)

[MrWizard]

This is similar they don't make the Rockwell anymore but this type works very well.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200414733_200414733

[Lauren]

It's a nice tool, but for what I do, I would rather use my two wheel bench grinder. I need the quick turning ability from multiple angles using thinner discs as well. I'm' happy your tool works for you.

[MrWizard]

This is almost the same as the Rockwell I speak of this is just what you need to be shaping those flat steel keys safely. The only difference with this than the Rockwell it has an arm with another wheel the allows you to thread the belt in the inside of some thing to do inside grinding. Plus the price on this one is a bit steep. I'll keep looking I might find someplace that has old stock of the Rockwell version. At the time I got mine it was half the price of this Jet.

Application Metal sanding and grinding:

The JET J-4002 Benchtop Belt and Sander features a power take off, which allows for mounting an optional flex shaft for carving, drum sanding, deburring and dozens of other jobs. Abrasive belt unit does the work of a jig saw, coping saw or hand file while removing material and finishing at the same time, allowing operator to get into small openings plus handle odd shapes and angles. Deluxe miter gauge turns and locks for common angles 45° left and right.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200406679_200406679

[MrWizard]

Your completely right what ever tools works for you best is what you should use alright. I have lots of tools I use that are not made for the job too I just try to stay away from the ones that can leave body parts on the bench getting too old for that anymore.

Until you actually try this narrow belt type you really cannot appreciate it's versatility and the finish it leaves doesn't need hardly any other smoothing. Mine also has an optional rounded plate that can be switch out behind the belt to do inside rounded area's the belt bends around it when you push the stock onto it. Why they ever quit making it a mystery to me. I'll shut up now.

Richard

[Lauren]

It was a real challenge to make a blank for this little mini-"Yale and Towne" bronze, swing lever padlock. Once again, I obtained this lock without a key. I wanted to make a key that was closer to the original (probably nickel silver). I machined my key from a brass door hinge- truly a homemade masterpiece. By implementing the ridge down the center of the key, strength is greatly maintained. The finished key works like a champ. It's nice to make keys for locks without destructive means.

[GWiens2001]

Beautiful work. I wish I had a mill to make a few things, especially blanks for some locks I have, yet do not have keys for. Kudos to you for yr quality work anship.

[MBI]

Lauren, I always enjoy your updates in this thread, seeing these old locks brought back to life.
That's some fine craftsmanship.

[femurat]

Hey Lauren, great job as usual. I see the grooves on the key are not symmetrical, since one starts a little further from the bow than the other. Is this intentional?

By the way, I recently won a couple of old locks without keys to try and follow your route. I really love what you do.
Can't wait to get the locks... I'll post updates as soon as I get them.

Cheers

[MrWizard]

I also look forward to the updates to this thread. Once more a brilliant idea milling a safe deposit box key leaving the ridge down the middle instead of the easy way out using a thin flat steel blank. Where do you get and what are the milling bit and or bits you use to do these great modifications to various blanks you create. Great job will be watching for the next one.

Richard

[Lauren]

As far as symmetrical, I didn't dial in on the stopping line. I should have used my scribe to draw a stopping line equally away from the bow on both sides of the key.

The drill press is from Home Depot. The Dremel cutting bit is from Home Depot. The door hinge is from Home Depot. The slide vise is from Harbor Freight. The dial caliper used to level the key properly in the vice is from Harbor Freight.

Any one can do this!

[femurat]

OK thanks. I thought you made the key like that on purpose, like when there's a dimple to identify top and bottom in flat push keys.

I know anyone can do this, but the result may vary

[MrWizard]

Oh ya duh you said it was a hinge but forgot, it looked just like a safe deposit box key it looked so good! LOL
That is just amazing and I wouldn't go as far to say anyone can do this you are under estimating yourself if you think that.

[Lauren]

I bought a larger version of this Yale padlock today. I plan to make a key for it. It should come out nice if all goes well.

[MrWizard]

Cool I'll will be waiting to see the new lock and the steps taken to make the finished key, always entertaining and educational to see.

Richard

[Lauren]

So here's a test:

Can anyone tell me why my homemade flat key blank for a "Yale & Towne", 4 pin tumbler, push key padlock has this unique cut on the tip?



The answer will soon be revealed.