My home made barrel key collection (& how to)

[Lauren]

As far as my push keys for the 4 pin Yale tumbler type, I had file the cuts.

[Lauren]

Here's the latest "Yale & Towne", 4 lever bronze padlock that I received without a key with an oval center keyhole. This lock measures 2.085 in. wide by 2.600 in. tall, and .860 in. thick. This lock is stamped "FJ 7". I first picked the lock and made a key blank from brass stock. The key blank was used to impression the lock in the open position. The key measures .106 in. thick, .306 in. wide, and has a tip with a .130 in. width. I was able to machine the bit cuts with a Dremel cutter on my drill press as I impressioned the key using the wiggle method.

[averagejoe]

Once again, very beautiful work.

[Lauren]

Here's another YALE key blank I made for the same padlock shown in my last post. The holes in the key head were drilled at intersecting points of a .500 inch square using a .250 inch drill bit. The key shoulder is .500 inch wide.

[femurat]

Looks perfect

[MrWizard]

Very good looking key love the thick look and the 3 hole head. Is the blade milled the same on both sides?

[Lauren]

Yes, the keys are milled the same on both sides.

[castarmax]

I first read this thread when it started. I often check back. Recently I joined LP101 and actually had a need to revisit this topic and decided to finally comment.
Your work is impressive Lauren. Your method at arriving at a solution with whats at hand shows your intelligence and diligence. No expensive high end mills or lathes. Your a thinking man who had applied his knowledge with lock smithing. I wish there were more thinkers like us in this world. Everyone seeks the easy way out. Very impressive work. Even more impressive is the way you get your desired results.

[Lauren]

That's a very heart felt comment, and I really appreciate it. I truly believe in finding simple solutions without expensive equipment. Anyone could buy a lock with a key, but it doesn't say anything about one's skills or abilities to solve puzzles. I like antique padlocks with missing keys; there's the history between user, inventor, and maker, not to mention the joy of seeing the lock work again after so many untold years of non-use. I really like metal working in general. I was turning out keys on my drill press since I was a teenager, and I never seem to get bored of it, unlike other hobbies.

[GWiens2001]

I feel the same way. That's why I just received a dozen old padlocks without keys. 4 Yale push key pin tumblers, a French lever lock, two Yale Juniors (wafer locks) and the rest are other Yale padlocks. The challenge of making a key that works is a real rush for me.

Gordon

[MrWizard]

The new wide shoulder really makes that key. Perfect addition that blank came out awesome. My wife bought the same Yale padlock with no keys from up in Prescott at an antique shop for me the same day I seen your post with the first key you made. I told her come look at this, what are the odds on that happening!

Richard

[Lauren]

That's funny, Richard. I'm often faced with coincidences like that.

Gordon, you should post some of your stuff.

[GWiens2001]

I'll see if I can get the pics up today. Cant directly upload my pictures to photobucket from my iPhone or my iPad, which I use the most when I am here at LP101.

Gordon

[SeanGallagher]

very nice work!

[midflorida]

so skillful, I am so jealous, I can't even cut a piece of bread straight