by Raymond » 20 Oct 2017 23:15
Try duplicating your key on spaces 1-3 only. Leave the remaining full size. On spaces 4, 5, and 6, File the uncut part of the key down, keeping it flat, until the shear between the top pins and the springs will turn.
If you still do have one padlock working, you can take it apart and fit the plug with the top pins instead of bottom pins in spaces 4, 5, & 6. Remove the plug from the housing to prevent reoccurring cat attacks goofing this one up also. This way you can file the blank down exactly to the correct height.
Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool. Wisdom is not just in determining how to do something, but also includes determining whether it should be done at all.