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Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Having read the FAQ's you are still unfulfilled and seek more enlightenment, so post your general lock picking questions here.
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Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby martinrdgz » 2 Jun 2015 22:05

I'm wondering if any one knows how to obtain a key code from a key by taking a photo with a smart phone device. I know how to use photoshop but would love for someone to teach me how to copy a key using photoshop. Thanks!
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby l0ckcr4ck3r » 2 Jun 2015 22:37

I remember seeing a presentation on exactly this topic. Taking a photo of a key and a few know reference points or dimensions and decoding the key.

Some fairly advanced perspective filters were used in PS, maybe nose through YouTube for past Defcon stuff, i have a feeling it was in there somewhere.
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby Robotnik » 3 Jun 2015 0:27

Photoshop has a 'ruler' tool; as long as you have a relatively straight-on shot and size the photo to match the dimensions of the target key, you can simply measure out your cuts digitally.

To prove a point, I've cut keys off of friends' Facebook photos and given them to the person posting the photo. The point, of course, is 'don't post your f-king keys on Facebook."
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby pillar » 3 Jun 2015 1:46

Robotnik wrote:. The point, of course, is 'don't post your f-king keys on Facebook."


And dont give them away....
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby femurat » 3 Jun 2015 3:59

I've measured a corbin key I impressioned with a caliper and sent the measurements to a locksmith but he was unable to find an exact match. He suggested a few alternatives and I got them cut by code, but none of them worked.
A direct copy of my impressioned key worked fine.
This showed me that it's not easy to copy a key without having it in your hands. I know, a factory cut key is easier to decode.

Anyway, there's an android app that reads a key and gives you the code. Looks like it only has automotive brands and not cylinders or lever keys. It'a a shame since it may be much more useful. Dunno if it works.

Good luck with your photoshop ruler tool :)
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby tomasfuk » 3 Jun 2015 4:45

femurat wrote:...This showed me that it's not easy to copy a key without having it in your hands. I know, a factory cut key is easier to decode...

That is why I use non-standard key cut depths with my locks mods :D
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby zeke79 » 3 Jun 2015 6:34

tomasfuk wrote:
femurat wrote:...This showed me that it's not easy to copy a key without having it in your hands. I know, a factory cut key is easier to decode...

That is why I use non-standard key cut depths with my locks mods :D



Unless you are modifying the bow of the key or the shoulder to tip length it can still be decoded from a picture. There is likely always going to be a known reference left somewhere on the key.
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby tomasfuk » 3 Jun 2015 6:38

zeke79 wrote:Unless you are modifying the bow of the key or the shoulder to tip length it can still be decoded from a picture...

Be sure that I am modifying more things than you have mentioned :D
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby Sinifar » 3 Jun 2015 8:08

If you have been in the trade for any length of time, you should be able to "sight read" a lot of keys by just looking at them due to the familiarity of working with keys / cuts.

Example - I can still look at a key sitting on the front seat, in almost any position, read the cuts, punch a key and open the car. Cylinder keys take a bit more study, but mostly since Schlage is the biggest one around here followed by Kwikset, it can be done too with some practice.

Just my experience.

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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby tomasfuk » 3 Jun 2015 8:25

I agree, a commonly used key profile with standard factory cut can an experienced professional decode just by sight.
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby nick08037 » 3 Jun 2015 11:07

2 website vendors using similar concept to market a key replacement service directly to consumers:

https://keysduplicated.com/

https://key.me/
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby ckc123 » 3 Jun 2015 15:26

I wrote a windows application that can do it for some common keyways..

this is from a photo of a key that is 100 meters away using a 500mm zoom ;)

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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby kwoswalt99- » 3 Jun 2015 16:26

That is really cool. Now I wish I knew how to write Windows applications.
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby tomasfuk » 4 Jun 2015 2:23

ckc123 wrote:this is from a photo of a key that is 100 meters away using a 500mm zoom ;)

Pretty cool. It ensures the perspective distortion is less than 1/800000000 :D
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Re: Does anyone know how to obtain key code in photoshop?

Postby zeke79 » 4 Jun 2015 6:47

ckc123 wrote:I wrote a windows application that can do it for some common keyways..

this is from a photo of a key that is 100 meters away using a 500mm zoom ;)

Image



How is the error if it's not quite perpendicular?
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