a simple Kwikset... not so easy

[Peter Martin]

The prepared blank, compared to an out-of-the-box blank... simply used 400 grit emery cloth for smoothing.

I blackened the blank using a Sharpie marker, then did the first impression and got all the spaces.

I filed each of the five pin marks lightly. After this, the first mark to appear in on Pin 1... note that there is some striations from improper filing on the other pin locations. I did learn one thing: The key is to decrease pressure at the end of the forward stroke to get a smooth cut surface.
(The other round markings at front slope of Pin 2 and 3 in the image are not impression marks.)

But marks don't always appear. I've had to re-impression the key a few times. Sometimes I get confused because I see "burnishing marks" and not dots/dimple marks. I rub those away with light file strokes. I'm not always sure what I'm looking for... and sometimes I get less and less sure when clear dimple/dots don't appear, even after multiple attempts.

Pete
Sioux Falls SD

[billdeserthills]

Kwikset original tumblers are beveled on each side-- not pointed, like other pin tumblers.

[GWiens2001]

They are more tricky to impression because of the pin shape.

Also, another possibility - is it a SmartKey?

Gordon

[Peter Martin]

Thanks for the info. I never thought the rounded bottom pin shapes would hinder marks. Makes total sense.
It is not a SmartKey.
I'll continue trying to use a Sharpie when other methods are failing, and try varying amounts of pressure.
Pete
Sioux Falls

[billdeserthills]

If you file the top of the key to a razor edge, even a beveled tumbler will squish a mark into it

[Peter Martin]

Ha... got it. Just not in the exact position I was expecting.
Is that normal?

[billdeserthills]

It's normal because Kwikset pins are wider than regular pins, due to the beveled end

If you look at a Kwikset key, you'll notice the spacing is a bit wider apart than say, a Schlage key is

[Peter Martin]

And a faint mark on pin 1 also appeared.
I think I'm back in the game.

[Peter Martin]

Probably a beginner's mistake... the "wandering cut"... then wondering why the marks aren't appearing where they're supposed to. Pins 4 and 5 are filed pretty far forward.

[GWiens2001]

Because files usually drift in one direction or the other, especially when filing over a distance.

One way to compensate for that is to use an ultra-fine point Sharpie to draw straight lines down from each of the pin marks you first got. Then you have a better idea where to look for the mark.

Also, especially when the cuts get deeper, the leverage you do to make the marks can sometimes cause the key blank to shift a bit further out of the keyway, causing the marks to look slightly further forward.

Gordon

[Peter Martin]

New hint.
If you filing and it's below the deepest cut, start over.

[GWiens2001]

Also make sure you have counted the pins stacks in the lock.

Gordon