Advice on a computerized code cutter

[jesseon7]

I work at a large complex and I am responsible for maintaining the locks and doors and also supplying key copies. I get a lot of request for desk and filing cabinet keys because furniture is always being moved around and the keys never seem to travel with it. I am tired of paying 10 bucks a pop for a key that only works about half the time. What would you recommend.

P.S. I do not have to worry about supplying vehicle keys.

Thanks

[Sinifar]

You have 2 problems. First, if you are going to make furniture keys, do you have access to the codes? The key machines don't have that data.

Second, do you have the experience to make "original" keys, that is the first one without a copy to duplicate.

A computer key machine is an expensive unit if you do not know how to generate and original --

For the quick answer, a HPC 1200 of some sort would work for you, not knowing what type keys you need for the rest of the plant.

A 1200 punch would fill most of your applications.

Hope this helps....

[jimu57]

I have a friend that is a locksmith and has lots of furniture keys. Just send you a PM.

jim

[Jacob Morgan]

Some of the newer office furniture uses replaceable cores (cores removed/inserted with a special key). If those are present you could hand out new cores and keys and prevent old keys from working.

As another post alluded to, if you want to cut by codes you need access to what those codes translate to in terms of spaces and depths. There are some on-line subscription services available to locksmiths where one can look up codes. But, from what I hear some of the Asian import furniture do not always have codes that match anything in a database. If you are dealing with newer, low-end furniture, code cutting may not work.

[ltdbjd]

I’d apply the, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime” concept.

Don’t give them keys. Give them lockpicks and get them interested in Locksport!!!!

[Sinifar]

Ya, timberline, Chicago, and now National all have the removable cores, due to the same owner. The information on the core removal (control key) is only available to the trade, as far as I know. Generally you will find the data and then you need to make the key on your own out of the correct blank, and it is not the operating blank ..... Those who know have an idea of what I am talking to.,

The other thing I was referring to is this - can you make a key without a code? That is take the thing apart and shove in a key, then read off the depths and then make a key - or better "read" the lock and produce a key.

Good luck -- this is one of the learned things in becoming a smith....

The Sinifar

[globallockytoo]

you might consider replacing the desk locks with a mechanical combination lock and master key over ride.

Something like the Meroni 1033

Then you never have to worry about replacing keys, simply new users reset combination to whatever they choose and a master key override is available too.

Inexpensive, quality product that requires some fitting.

[Jacob Morgan]

HON has introduced removable cores as well, and I think they have done it better than some of the other brands of removable cores. With HON the core key only removed an unlocked core, whereas core change keys for other brands appear to be more of combination a master key and core change key. But realistically, simple disc tumbler locks are not going to be that secure anyway.

If you are dealing mainly with file cabinets, there are after-market locking bars for 2 or 4 drawer cabinets. Abus makes them. They mount on the outside of the cabinets then one can put a padlock on them and they lock all the drawers. $20 range. Might be less expense and trouble in the long run: let people bring in their own locks and they can move their padlocks around with them.