Depth and space keys - where to buy?

[WilsonTrucking]

Title kinda says it all. Recently aquired a Micrometric Precision key duplicator and am in the market for a set of depth and space keys. Dont know too much about them so any education is greatly appreciated.

[Jacob Morgan]

CLKSupplies.com has a good assortment of them.

Fairly straightforward as to how to use them. Leave the key blank in the vise then switch out the space and depth keys as needed. Cut the shallow depths first then the deeper ones and be careful not to leave any "hooks" on the key blank. I think Bosnian Bill has a video on it.

[demux]

Don't mean to re-open an old thread, but I just noticed this one now. If you do buy from CLK, make sure you measure the space and depth keys when you receive them. I bought a couple of sets from them earlier this year, and a couple of the keys in the set were off from the manufacturer stated depths and tolerances, some even noticeably so with the naked eye. Not sure what happened, as they're usually a quality supplier, maybe they had a new guy around that time that hadn't figured out how to run the code machine yet. In any case, I emailed them about it and PJ promptly took care of the issue, so there's no hard feelings, just wanted to point it out.

If you don't have one already, I'd suggest you also look into a digital caliper or other similar measurement instrument. It'll be useful anyway for checking your work when you code with with space and depth keys, and will be a good check when you get new space and depth keys to make sure they're in spec. A Harbor Freight quality one can be had for $10-$15. A slightly better quality can be had for $30-$40 or so.

[Squelchtone]

[Moving this from Advanced Lock Pick Tools to Locksmith Supplies]

[jimu57]

I cut depth and space keys.

[Svensontini]

I've bought several sets from road2003king on eBay and have been completely satisfied - accurate keys and lightening fast shipping. I needed a couple sets for Corbin Russwin and he put a custom auction up for me and I had them in no time. Great prices, fast shipping, willing to do custom sets, friendly communication...it doesn't get much better! (and no, I have no financial or other interest in his business, I'm just a satisfied customer).

[skygear]

When I first needed a couple sets of these. I went into the lock locksmith shop and talked to the guys there. We all had a good conversation and they cut me a deal for the ones I wanted (Schlage SC4, Kwikset, Master, and couple others) 5 in total. I had the blanks already I wanted cut. ended up paying ~$10 for them to toss them the machine and digitally cut them all. He pulled out calipers and measured each one in front of me.

make friends with the locals. You never know when you might need something in hurry you are out of. I get a few blanks from them every now and then. Same people are there and I get a good conversation out of it.

[Svensontini]

That would be nice...if we had a locksmith in town, we don't any more. The nearest is 45 miles away and I'm legally blind, so I don't drive, so online is my friend. I do institutional locksmithing at my work and we stay well stocked, I don't do anything on the side except for family and friends and I always scope the project out before starting to make sure I have everything on hand.
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It's sad, we used to have locksmiths - and you bought a quality lock once and rekeyed if needed, these days you pay $15 for a Steel Pro or Atlas Kwikset knockoff and do it yourself, or have the local handyman install it. Then wonder why some meth head got in your house and stole your prescription drugs!