Keying a Medeco

[mseifert]

Im curious .. I recently aquired some Medeco BiAxials and would like to possible have a set of key for each individual lock..

So my question is what is the deal with getting keys made without a card.. Can I walk into any Medeco Distributor and ask to get keys cut or can a distributor only cut keys/bitting that are assigned to them ..

How does this work ..

[Robotnik]

Im curious .. I recently aquired some Medeco BiAxials and would like to possible have a set of key for each individual lock..

So my question is what is the deal with getting keys made without a card.. Can I walk into any Medeco Distributor and ask to get keys cut or can a distributor only cut keys/bitting that are assigned to them ..

How does this work ..

The most effective/cheapest way to key a Medeco in my experience (as a hobbyist) is to purchase a key, matching key pins, and a code card off eBay. This is presuming you're able to match key to keyway; if the locks you have are restricted or DBK, you're basically SOL here. Last time I bought some, it was like $8 a set.

To answer your question though, no. Medeco dealers are for the most part contractually prohibited from generating keys without a code card and/or authorized signature. Even presuming they carry the keyway you seek (which they may not), you're unlikely to get your locks keyed. Though you may try inquiring about whether they're able to key your cylinders with new pinning; I've never asked about that...

[mseifert]

So basically .. If I want to key each one differently then I will have to purchase Key, Pins and card for each one ..

[GWiens2001]

That would probably be the easiest method. The hardest part will likely be finding out which keys will fit in your keyway.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

So basically .. If I want to key each one differently then I will have to purchase Key, Pins and card for each one ..

No sane locksmith will just sell you Medeco pins, and a matching key, they wont know or understand what hobby lockpicking or locksport is, assume youre up to something crafty and they'll want to charge you for rekeying your Medeco cylinder that you brought in to some keys they have, but with the 50 different Medeco keyways, who knows if they stock blanks for the keyway of your cylinder from some auction on ebay.

If you want a Medeco cylinder with working keys to take apart and play with order one for $20 from security snobs.

[billdeserthills]

In my shop I would key it up for you, if I had the right keyway, but I don't sell blanks, or tools or supplies--I bought all the stuff I have to make the labor money with it

[mseifert]

So, Are the key way regional or specific to a particular Locksmith .. Let say that the planet line up for some reason .. How are the key ways distributed.. Random, By State, etc..

[GWiens2001]

So, Are the key way regional or specific to a particular Locksmith .. Let say that the planet line up for some reason .. How are the key ways distributed.. Random, By State, etc..

Depends on what the locksmith was willing to pay. There are varying levels, but each level requires a buy-in cost and sone levels require the locksmith to purchase a certain number of locks each year.

Any locksmith can get blanks for some of the keyways, and they can get a pin kit from a number of places. A number of key machines can cut the keys. But as Bill said, the parts and tools are pricey. The locksmiths must make up the cost to stay in business.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

So, Are the key way regional or specific to a particular Locksmith .. Let say that the planet line up for some reason .. How are the key ways distributed.. Random, By State, etc..

They do it by regional overlap like the FCC assigns FM radio station frequencies.. In radion stations, you cant have two stations within x miles of each other at 100.9 MHz, because people listening would hear both, so the FCC will say that some radio station in Boston can use 100.9 and then a station in Hartford about 80 miles away can also use it because they're just far enough away without bleeding on each others signals.

Medeco does something similar. Nationwide keyways such as G3 or S1 are usually stocked by most Medeco locksmiths, but a particular restricted Dealer Based Keyway (DBK) such as B3, X3 or Z3, will only be given to one locksmith in a certain radius thus guaranteeing him dedicated customers who cant just go to another local Medeco locksmith and get a copy of their X3 key because the next locksmith who is allowed to sell X3 is 100 miles away in another city. They might walk into anothet local Medeco locksmith and he'll only have the B3 dealer keyway. But all of these Medeco locksmiths should have G3 or S1 keyways for whoever walks in with a Medeco key card.

Some keyways like R1 or D4 that are used in 833/951 padlocks can be special ordered but it depends on what contract and agreement that locksmith has with Medeco. I tried to order a core once, and they would only sell me one in the commercial S1 keyway.

Show us a pic of your locks, maybe we can ID the keyway, otherwise I always recommend buying Medeco with the keys already included..

Hope this helps,
Squelchtone

[Divinorum]

I have a relevant question. Are all Biaxial blanks restricted or is it only specific Biaxial keyways/ product lines (ex. patriot)? The only non restricted Medeco's blanks are the classics keyways, is this correct?

[billdeserthills]

I have a relevant question. Are all Biaxial blanks restricted or is it only specific Biaxial keyways/ product lines (ex. patriot)? The only non restricted Medeco's blanks are the classics keyways, is this correct?

Several biaxial keyways key blanks are made by ilco and as the patents run out, ilco does make some more available. Those classic keyway blanks are only available because their patents ran out years ago

[kwoswalt99-]

That's why it pays to have a good locksmith friend who can cut you keys.

[ltdbjd]

Squelchtone - great explanation.

The same holds true for most of the high security/restricted blanks. ASSA, Mul-T-Lock, etc. Some manufacturers who make public keyways also make restricted keyways. For example, you can get a number of Corbin Russwin blanks, but some, like the ones I use are restricted. Sometimes trying to identify, let alone find blanks is very difficult.

[mseifert]

Here are the Locks and Keys ..

[Squelchtone]

I re-read your original question, am I understanding correctly that you just want more keys for those 2 cylinders? Are they currently keyed alike? Any idea if there are master wafers in any of the chambers? You're fortunate to have the keys, since their coined with the locksmith shops name and number. If you got those locks locally, then march into their shop with the cylinders and keys and say you bought them at a yard sale or craigslist and ask for more keys or if thats a security issue for them, repinned to new cut keys and your own card. Expect to pay $12-$15 per additional key, so if you're trying to have each cylinder have like 5 extra keys its gonna add up. If that locksmith shop is not near you, you're probably SOL unless your local Medeco locksmith happens to carry that keyway.

Good luck,
Squelchtone1