Which file is best to filing keys?

[martinrdgz]

Hello community,

What file is best to file keys for example... Kwikset, Schlage, and Master? I would like to purchase some, but would want advise and recommendations from people who have had the experience with key filing. Thanks!

[cheerIO]

Did you try the search function for the forums?

There are a lot of threads to be found. Also look under "impressioning".

You are going to get a lot of answers; a pippen file, a triangular file, a chainsaw file, etc.

What ever works for you is what is going to be best.

I like a small chainsaw file, it's cheap and makes nice ramps. Doesn't make a key that looks factory cut though.

[billdeserthills]

Industry standard for impressioning is a 6" to 8" #4 cut round file. The pippen file is also sought after but the last 6" #4 cut pippen file I saw was $83

[Squelchtone]

OP, please clarify if you are using this for impressioning or is it for that Schlage LFIC project where you will be filing that control key to match the pre-cut factory keys you bought?

Thanks,
Squelchtone

[UnlockingBoredom]

I just started impressioning about a month ago and have now impressioned about 50 to 60 locks, I use a 6" #4 pippen and it works great for me. I just finished impressioning an old Yale lock...





I tried picking this one a few times (I am making a key for a local locksmith) and it was taking too long so I just impressioned it.

Its a VERY nice lock inside... the tolerances in this lock are awesome and it has very weak springs so it was a pain to get the pins binding properly. I took it apart and now it has serrated and spool pins inside

This key is the one I made after the impressioning... I always toss the key I used just in case it had any tiny fractures, I wouldnt want it breaking off in the lock.

[Jburgett2nd]

I've got grobert #2 and #4 round files and some assorted jewelers files I use for impressioning keys for some of the kwiksets I mess around with haven't done much impressioning though, but the groberts are very fine, much better than the random jewelers files I've picked up here and there.

[martinrdgz]

OP, please clarify if you are using this for impressioning or is it for that Schlage LFIC project where you will be filing that control key to match the pre-cut factory keys you bought?

Thanks,
Squelchtone

No I just want to learn how since I have other LFIC which I plan trying to impression. Thanks! On the other LFIC project where I left off I will be buying some shims to shim it since I cant pick it for some reason. The core is clean nothing is jamming I have never ever had a problem picking a lock, but on this last one where I left off I spent more than 2 weeks trying to pick it and nothing. Thanks!

[martinrdgz]

I just started impressioning about a month ago and have now impressioned about 50 to 60 locks, I use a 6" #4 pippen and it works great for me. I just finished impressioning an old Yale lock...





I tried picking this one a few times (I am making a key for a local locksmith) and it was taking too long so I just impressioned it.

Its a VERY nice lock inside... the tolerances in this lock are awesome and it has very weak springs so it was a pain to get the pins binding properly. I took it apart and now it has serrated and spool pins inside

This key is the one I made after the impressioning... I always toss the key I used just in case it had any tiny fractures, I wouldnt want it breaking off in the lock.

Are you using a sharpie to blacken the blade of key to see the marks? What is your method on impression if you don't mind.

[UnlockingBoredom]

No sharpie for me... I use 800 grit sandpaper on a flat surface to shine the flat surface of the blade first and then just use a 20 power magnifier to look for the shiney spots or little dents in the metal (depending on how close you are to getting the correct depths)

If you want to start impressioning, I would suggest starting with Master locks as they only have 4 pins and are easy to impression. I did 12 last night while watching TV.

non-repinable locks are the easiest because they should have standard cuts and you can use depth key measurements to cut down to the next depth when you see a mark.

[Squelchtone]

Your peaks and valleys look really nice!

well done,
Squelchtone

[UnlockingBoredom]

Why thank you sir!!! coming from one of you guys that have been doing this for a long time, I take that as a very good compliment!!

[smokingman]

Very nice.
Good looking key.

[GWiens2001]

A triangular needle file works well for filing a Medeco.

Gordon