Protel XP1230 / 1200 Payphone "Key Blanks"

[vk4akp]

Here's another thought.

If I get some blanks. I wonder if I could run the key through a standard cutter for the pattern, then finish the angles with a hand file?

[billdeserthills]

Here's another thought.

If I get some blanks. I wonder if I could run the key through a standard cutter for the pattern, then finish the angles with a hand file?

I actually read a techni-tip from a locksmith magazine that said that could be done!

Medeco locks can be destroyed, just takes longer--I doubt you want to destroy them before finding a replacement though

[Squelchtone]

You can't drill these locks.

yeah, you can, I've done it myself. You have to know where to drill and use proper drill bits, and it's a pain in the a$s because of the hardened inserts, but it is very much drillable.

a faux key is just a fake key, an impostor, made of some random piece of metal like a hacksaw blade that just happens to fit into the keyway and has the key cuts hand filed into it. and yes, you can hand file the angles after cutting the main cuts on a key machine, just dont cut the normal cuts too deep since you're bound to file a little deeper while filing the angles.

since this guy doesn't want to part with the key, have him at least take a top down photo showing the angles, if you go ahead with making your own working key from some blank or other piece of flat metal having the angles will be priceless.

you already have some Medeco keys so you can look down on them and see the angles, so I'm sure you get the idea of some being \ some being | and some being /

[GWiens2001]

It is possible to make keys by hand without a special machine. But it takes practice.

A top down picture would help a lot.

Gordon

[vk4akp]

Hi Guys, thanks for all the help.

Yes, I don't really want to destroy the locks.

I have had some luck (I think).
The original .US supplier has offered to get some keys made.
However there is a 2 week lead in time, plus shipping time from .US to .AU.
Is US$11 each an OK price for these?
I have to order a rather large qty but I'm prepared to wear that.

The blanks supplier refuses to ship outside the USA.
I would have been interested in getting these blanks regardless but what can you do. I really can't understand the attitude of some USA sellers. It all goes through the exact same USPS store who cares if it's going to .AU instead of .US personally I think it's an elitist attitude.

I have asked the guy with the key to give me a picture looking down. He is pretty slack though and tends to be difficult to deal with.
See if he eventually comes through.

It could be a month or more before I know if I will have an outcome.
But I'll let you guys know how I go.

.-.-.

[MBI]

Hi Guys, thanks for all the help...
It could be a month or more before I know if I will have an outcome.
But I'll let you guys know how I go.

Thanks. If useful help has been given by a forum member we appreciate hearing how things work out

[billdeserthills]

I guess $11 each isn't so bad,
You could include one key with each phone and sell additional keys for extra. If you had to replace the lock you could
maybe do it for half that price, if you could find some cheap, china made ace-type cam locks. I really would need to see
the back of that phone lock to say for sure...