hand filed Medeco key and restricted key question

[phoneman85]

here is a hand filed Medeco key using the "sky" keyway.:


The cuts are a bit sloppier than what I was after, but it works the lock quite well.

And instead of posting a second topic, I'll ask in this one:
I was wondering if an individual could get an exclusive AKA restricted keyway of their own? For instance, my locks on my house would have a keyway no one else could get blanks for. I know universities and large campuses can do this, and the S&G military locks are like this, but what about individuals?

Honestly, I think it would be neat to have a lock that no one else could get blanks to, even if it was just for my collection.
(although, I'd guess if you had the time/skill/machines you could machine a blank from bar stock)

Just my thoughts,
Will

[GWiens2001]

You can, but most companies require you to purchase a certain number of locks such as 10,000. I hear you can get your own sidebar cut from some companies. Some may require only 2000 locks. How many locks were you looking to get for your house?

Gordon

[Altashot]

You can buy a restricted Medeco keyway at your local locksmith.
It will likely be unique within your city but another locksmith, say 200 miles away may have the same keyway.
The way the keyways are distributed is sort of related to the purchasing power of the client.
A locksmith that buys 500 locks a year get a keyway for the city. A university that buys 3000 locks at once and thousands more during it's operation will likely get a keyway that is unique in that state. The government of course will buy tens of thousands of locks so they get a keyway unique to the country.
Very large companies that have offices in different countries may get a keyway that is unique to them, worldwide...

The Medeco I sell at our shop is unique to my city. I know that keyway is shared with another locksmith 180 miles away and we both are aware of it. He doesn't see my Medeco anymore than I see his which is once in a blue moon... We don't cut each other's either

M.

[maintenanceguy]

GMS, an aftermarket lock cylinder manufacturer, has an MX line that offers restricted keyways. But I imagine you would have to be a large purchaser to get your own keyway.

[keysman]

.......I was wondering if an individual could get an exclusive AKA restricted keyway of their own? For instance, my locks on my house would have a keyway no one else could get blanks for......

Yes you can .. but be prepared to spend some money. Most manufacturers have a substantial ( $$$) buy-in to reserve a keyway to regional area. Not really practical for a residential end user.
What you may want to do if you want a key that can't be duplicated ( at least locally) is Purchase your locks and keys from a locksmith located some distance away.
You can find locksmiths all over the USA/ Canada here: http://www.clearstar.com/yellform.htm or here: http://www.findalocksmith.com/

[minifhncc]

What you may want to do if you want a key that can't be duplicated ( at least locally) is Purchase your locks and keys from a locksmith located some distance away.

That would make it a pain to get additional keys cut...

[ARF-GEF]

If you don't insist on medeco I know Assa Abloy can be persuaded to give you a restricted keyway. (For lots and lots of $$$ of course.)
If you decide to go with it you need to contact Assa -abloy and be persuasive. Also think through how many keys will you need and get at least 2 spare ones, since getting keys later will be expensive and will take quite some time.
With protec there is the possibility of a factory controlled keys, so only the factory can make you additional copies of the keys. I think this is different from your very own profile, as I've heard the factory has quite a few profiles kept for them which can only be attained directly through them. Getting new keys can take weeks, so be prepared.
But with them every dealer has a different keyway, while I think medeco does this on a reginal basis. Altashot correct me if I'm wrong., I didn't quite fully get what you were saying.

But I'd say getting an EVVA MCS is also a good way to get pretty good key control and an extremely high pick security (bumping is out of the question of course.) With them you can also only get the new keys directly through the factory, although there are talks of home-making mcs keys. Not really suitable for the open forum though...

[phoneman85]

Thanks guys. It was really just a novel idea of mine to have a padlock for instance with my "own" keyway. I figured it would cost some big cash. I kind of also figured I'd need to buy a big quantity.

Has anyone else hand cut keys for Medeco often? And also, would a depth and space chart for Medeco original (Sky) be considered advanced? (I'd like to see what the spacings are for hand cutting these keys more accurately)

thanks again!,
Will

[keysman]

.... And also, would a depth and space chart for Medeco original (Sky) be considered advanced? (I'd like to see what the spacings are for hand cutting these keys more accurately).....

+ lots of other stuff:

Try here:
Spaces and depths

[phoneman85]

Thanks Keysman! that's what I was needing! Time to get the dial calipers out...

[maintenanceguy]

If you just one one padlock with your own keyway, your local machine shop could create a custom plug and key blank for you. It would be pricey but not a pricey as getting a major manufacturer to give you your own keyway.

[minifhncc]

If you don't insist on medeco I know Assa Abloy can be persuaded to give you a restricted keyway. (For lots and lots of $$$ of course.)
If you decide to go with it you need to contact Assa -abloy and be persuasive. Also think through how many keys will you need and get at least 2 spare ones, since getting keys later will be expensive and will take quite some time.

Does Assa Abloy sell blanks and cylinders to non locksmiths? Of course I assume there would be some kind of written agreement if they did...

If you just one one padlock with your own keyway, your local machine shop could create a custom plug and key blank for you. It would be pricey but not a pricey as getting a major manufacturer to give you your own keyway.

How does one do this (i.e. what machinary is required), and how much would it usually cost around?

[jeffmoss26]

It could probably be done on a mill with a variety of cutting tools (end mills etc)

[phoneman85]

I so need to save up for one of those mini mills. (and teach myself to use it). I could do a lot of neat stuff with one, I'm sure.