Is my depth key set bad?

[cheerIO]

I bought an American AM3 depth key set off of Ebay.

I have an old ILCO 025. I have adjusted the machine so that the wheel just grazes the blank on the highpoint when the other blank touches the guide. It makes copies that work everytime, and work just as well as the original keys.

The problem is that if I cut a key that I know the code to from these keys, it doesn't work. And to me, the pins look a little low in the plug. I looked up the official Cut Root Depths from the American Lock Bitting Specs. and found all my keys to be a bit lower. But I don't know if it is enough to make them unusable. Any opinions appreciated.

key number...Offical depth...my set depth... difference
1...0.284...0.275...-0.009
2...0.268...0.263...-0.005
3...0.253...0.245...-0.008
4...0.237...0.230...-0.007
5...0.222...0.209...-0.013
6...0.206...0.185...-0.021
7...0.190...0.182...-0.008
8...0.175...0.166...-0.008

[MacGnG1]

if the depth and space keys are not exact to what it says in the book, then yes they are bad. i would request a refund. I traded with a member for a set of D&S keys which were cut on an HPC blitz and they are EXACT. the seller might have just copied the original code cut keys, maybe that is why they are off.

[cheerIO]

Thanks MacGnG1, you are right.

It was easier for me to visualize when I put the numbers into a little spreadsheet and made a graph:



The keys wouldn't work at all. Especially 5 and 6. I found a bitting utility online and input the measurements for my KW1 and SC1 sets also from the same source:




The Kwiksets are so low, the calculator could not even figure out what bitting they were supposed to be. And the Schlage were all low across the board.

I've wasted a bunch of time, blanks, and fair bit of cash. Is there a reputable source for 1st gen Depth Keys so I don't have to worry about this?

[billdeserthills]

Will your key machine make a 3rd generation key? Otherwise it may be that the cutter shaft & bushings are worn. I'll tell you how to cut a 3rd generation key, it will burn up another 3 key blanks but then you will be able to see exactly where or even if your machine is off.
You should start with a new lock you have factory-cut keys to, I like to use a schlage. Copy the factory cut key, now make a copy from that copy and then make another copy from the copy you just made. Make sure you label the keys as to 1st copy thru 3rd copy. If the 3rd copy works in your lock You are done, and your machine is in Tip Top shape! Likely you will find that the spacing/depth is off and the 3rd gen key doesn't work. It is easy to compare the 3rd gen key with the factory key and see just what is wrong, as you will have multiplied the error by 3 times.

Now you will be entering one of the most frustrating areas of locksmithing-- adjusting a key machine
Remember the error you see has been multiplied by 3, so don't over adjust anything.

[billdeserthills]

Please Disregard my earlier post, I can't see how your machine could be off that far without you knowing about it previously.

[dmcintyre86]

i would invest into a new set of Depth keys...sound like the current set is not accurate.
or...make your own set! and then you can be sure they are exact!

-Dave

[cheerIO]

Thanks for the input guys.

billdeserthills: I think you misunderstood. The measurements were not after I cut a key from the set. I was measuring the actual depth set and they were off by that much.

Dave: I would love to make my own set!! Of course that would mean that I owned a code cutting machine. And if I had one of those, I wouldn't need a set of depth keys anyway.

Well. I spoke with the ebay seller and they are going to refund me my money and shipping.

Does anyone know a reputable place to get a set of AM3, KW1, and SC1 depth keys?

[billdeserthills]

www.clksupplies.com

[cheerIO]

Cool. Thanks for the link billdeserthills.