Fixing a bent key?

[NC357]

I have a Ford Super Duty shop truck, and I only have one key. If you know the keys for these you will know they are ridiculously large. As a result, my key got slammed in a door and bent.

They key is very old and worn out, I'm afraid if I bend it back it will snap off. I'm pretty sure it's brass under the silver coating.

Is there anything I can do to try and fix this key? If I take it to a good locksmith could they possibly copy it while bent, or copy it after it breaks? Would it be less likely to break if I heat it first?

I can probably get another one from the dealer based on the VIN, but I'm sure that's expensive and I HATE going to the dealer for anything...

 

[PugetDude]

Straighten it very slowly in a vise. Then get a copy made immediately.

 

[The Cobbler]

a good locksmith ( a real locksmith) will be able to decipher the cuts and make you a new key

 

[matt_i]

I had a key in a personal lockout/tagout lock that I sat on and bent the key 90 degrees to original. I tried bending it back cold but it broke. Then I silver brazed it back together with success but spent a lot of time with a micro-file restoring the cross-section profile that wouldn't fit into the lock body anymore.

My guess is the locksmith has seen this before a few times and might have a solution. At least you can show them and ask for a quote before comparing to the dealer-new.

 

[NC357]

Straighten it very slowly in a vise. Then get a copy made immediately.

I like the sound of that, but being in the middle of moving my vice is one of the few tools I can't get to right now. Maybe I could try something with a big C clamp.

a good locksmith ( a real locksmith) will be able to decipher the cuts and make you a new key

Is that going to be super expensive? There is a good locksmith nearby that works on safes and such, I guess I can at least ask them what they can do for me before I break it...

 

[tjdux]

Maybe put it in an oven at 150 or 200 degrees to easily heat it if you go that route

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[southalabama]

Jeff moss is resident locksmith.

 

[kwoswalt99]

a good locksmith ( a real locksmith) will be able to decipher the cuts and make you a new key

Is that going to be super expensive? There is a good locksmith nearby that works on safes and such, I guess I can at least ask them what they can do for me before I break it...

Having one code cut would be the best option, but they sometimes won't work due to the lock being worn, in which case you would have to have it duplicated.

 

[four.cycle]

best thing is take it to somebody who knows what they're doing - locksmith - and pray for the best.
I used to straighten them out with a tiny ball-pein but half the time you do that, the key will snap in half.

 

[Karl_B]

A good locksmith should be able to read the depths of the cuts and get you a new key in just a few minutes. There are even gauges for measuring the depths. Computerized key cutters make cutting a key by the depths a breeze, but you can also do it with mechanical handheld units.

 

[NC357]

best thing is take it to somebody who knows what they're doing - locksmith - and pray for the best.
I used to straighten them out with a tiny ball-pein but half the time you do that, the key will snap in half.

Let's just say it does snap in half...

Can a good locksmith do something about that without charging a million bucks?

Can they copy the stub (it's bent right at the bottom) or like somebody else said just eyeball it?

As mentioned above, the key is worn out, so the lock is probably worn out also, so a new VIN cut key might not even work.

 

[ssdave]

Go to ford, they have a punch cutting machine that will cut the key without having to copy the old one. Lot easier and more reliable than trying to bend it and duplicate it.

 

[NC357]

A good locksmith should be able to read the depths of the cuts and get you a new key in just a few minutes. There are even gauges for measuring the depths. Computerized key cutters make cutting a key by the depths a breeze, but you can also do it with mechanical handheld units.

Sounds good, I'll take it to the locksmith tomorrow and see what they say.

 

[ishiboo]

A good locksmith should be able to read the depths of the cuts and get you a new key in just a few minutes. There are even gauges for measuring the depths. Computerized key cutters make cutting a key by the depths a breeze, but you can also do it with mechanical handheld units.

This. I had a door on one of my rentals that you could only open if yo pulled the key out a quarter of an inch. My locksmith made me a few keys to try that he hand cut. Third one worked like a charm!

I straightened my Kioti key with my Knipex pliers wrench.

 

[four.cycle]

Let's just say it does snap in half...

Can a good locksmith do something about that without charging a million bucks?

Can they copy the stub (it's bent right at the bottom) or like somebody else said just eyeball it?

Maybe I'm the wrong guy to ask on that....

I started cutting keys when I was 8 years old. Tom Vicencio taught me how to use the key machine and I was the designated key maker on weekends so the guys on the counter weren't ******* cutting keys for 39 cents apiece.
I got pretty cagey at working with worn-out, broken, and bent keys with an old Curtis manual key cutter.
The one I recall distinctly was a lady who came into the Yelm store with a pre-1964 Ford key (when Ford still used single-cuts) and the thing was not only broken in half, but was also pretty much worn down to the nub. Took me about three tries, but I finally got it and sent her down the road with a couple spare keys.

No reason a good locksmith shouldn't be able to work with it and get something fixed up that will get the vehicle started. It's just a key - it ain't rocket science.

 

[Warrenator]

My friendly Nissan dealer didn't charge much to make a new Nissan key from a code, I think it was around 5 or 10 bucks. Jaguar, on the other hand, charged me $150......

 

[Sticks McGee]

Go to the dealer. Take them your registration. They can pull up the key code from the VIN. They should have a punch machine to make you a new key. I have several Fords in my fleet. I order the key per key code and they punch them and send them to me. If an ignition cylinder wears out I get a new cylinder and build the cylinder myself. That gets a little tricky as there are numbered "gates" from 1-5 and you have to tediously try each numbered gate in each slot to see if it is correct. Once I have them in there I write down the gate number per slot to do it easier next time. The gate numbers have nothing to do with the key code. If your ignition cylinder is worn they can build it for you. They are kinda pricey prebuilt. The key however should be quick and easy for them.

 

[rlitman]

...I'm pretty sure it's brass under the silver coating. ..

Just a comment on this. I've never seen a silver colored brass factory car key. OEM car keys always seem to be nickel-silver. Aftermarket cheap keys may be chrome plated brass.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Just a comment on this. I've never seen a silver colored brass factory car key....

My old CJ-7 Jeep factory keys are silver colored, almost chrome looking plated brass. I have owned the Jeep for the last 25 years and the silver colored plating is pretty much gone now on the key I use everyday. You can still see it on the areas I don't touch, or that don't get pushed into the ignition switch or glove box. I also have one stock factory ignition key that I never use that still has all of its original chrome/silver colored plating on it.

The two keys that came with my 2005 Chrysler 300C are also chrome/silver colored plated brass. You can see the brass where the keys are cut. My wife's 2012 Kia Sorento keys are also chrome/silver colored plated brass.

I don't know about how the keys are on newer vehicles than what I have, so I can't comment on those. But all the factory keys I/my wife have are chrome/silver colored plated brass.

Jim

 

[vavet]

What year is the SuperDuty? If it requires a transponder in the head of the key, I don't know if a locksmith can make a new key for you. I had a 2003 Ranger that only came with one key. I just wanted a spare to put in my wallet in case I locked the key in the truck (which I know I am prone to do). Not everyone will do it even when you explain..."I know this won't start the truck, I just want it to operate the door lock." Maybe independent locksmiths can and will.

 

[lmalcomb]

a good locksmith ( a real locksmith) will be able to decipher the cuts and make you a new key

Correct answer, I am an Automotive Locksmith.

 

[rlitman]

What year is the SuperDuty? If it requires a transponder in the head of the key, I don't know if a locksmith can make a new key for you. I had a 2003 Ranger that only came with one key. I just wanted a spare to put in my wallet in case I locked the key in the truck (which I know I am prone to do). Not everyone will do it even when you explain..."I know this won't start the truck, I just want it to operate the door lock." Maybe independent locksmiths can and will.

The simplest answer is to have an all metal key cut, and put it next to the broken transponder key on your keyring. Another option (a risky one though) would be to open up the key, and move the RFID chip.

Depending on the transponder system, you may have the option to get a programmable key that mimics the key you already have, or you may be able to have the car programmed to accept a new key.

 

[nes999]

What year is the SuperDuty? If it requires a transponder in the head of the key, I don't know if a locksmith can make a new key for you. I had a 2003 Ranger that only came with one key. I just wanted a spare to put in my wallet in case I locked the key in the truck (which I know I am prone to do). Not everyone will do it even when you explain..."I know this won't start the truck, I just want it to operate the door lock." Maybe independent locksmiths can and will.

My locksmith charges 20 to 40 for a transponder key to be cut. For our company f250s it's right around 30. I wouldn't bother with a dealer.

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[NC357]

I wasn't able to get to the locksmith today, will try tomorrow.

What year is the SuperDuty? If it requires a transponder in the head of the key, I don't know if a locksmith can make a new key for you.

It's an 04 but I don't think it has a transponder...can anyone confirm?

Also I'm not even sure where the registration and title are at right now...it's been parked for a while. Not sure if the Ford dealer would want proof of ownership. Registration is probably inside...but who knows, it's locked!

 

[CJM8515]

Doubt it has a transponder, I think they didnt use them till like 06 or 08
Ford can cut you a key based off the vin as can a locksmith in most cases.

 

[James-W]

Let the dealer make the key for you. I had one made at the GM dealer and it wasn't all that much, I am sure a good locksmith can make you a new key, but it may take awhile. The dealer can contact the manufacturer and get the specs and make the key quickly and easily.

 

[Astrofarian]

Let the dealer make the key for you. I had one made at the GM dealer and it wasn't all that much, I am sure a good locksmith can make you a new key, but it may take awhile. The dealer can contact the manufacturer and get the specs and make the key quickly and easily.

NOT sure I agree with that logic. A locksmith spends his or her time solving LOCK and KEY problems on a daily basis. The Exalted dealer at the holy Ford shrine MAY cut what, 3-5 keys, in a month? Using a "Clipper" type of machine that is highly susceptible to operator error as a result of inexperience, improper adjustment and wear and tear. A locksmith makes his or her living AND stakes their reputation on their keys working smoothly and properly. And they don't get to charge anywhere NEAR what an automotive dealer charges.
Yes, as you may have guessed, I am a locksmith with 30 plus years of auto/commercial/residential and institutional experience. Any competent locksmith can perform whatever task is needed to get this problem solved in the here and now as well as the long term. Go see your locksmith and leave the dealership for when you need something that could only come from Ford.
-M!ke-

 

[rharman]

< snip >
I got pretty cagey at working with worn-out, broken, and bent keys with an old Curtis manual key cutter.
< /snip >

Haven't heard that name in years. First Harley shop I worked in, the Curtis sales guy used to come in and sell us key blanks and, as I recall, also hardware (nuts & bolts).

 

[padroo]

Don't forget to get a spare key cut.

 

[NC357]

and leave the dealership for when you need something that could only come from Ford.

This is pretty much how I feel. Not a fan of any brand of car dealer - they are all thieves. I avoid them like the plague on principle alone.

My truck has an International brand engine, almost any engine part can be bought at an International dealer for much cheaper. Ford figured this out so they require International dealers to not do business with Ford truck owners and changed the part numbers so they don't interchange. This kind of **** doesn't sit well with me.

I can always use them as a backup if the key breaks/is unfixable/or the locksmith wants a million bucks. Likely to get better personal service from the locksmith and less ******.

Don't forget to get a spare key cut.

Definitely this.

 

[James-W]

NOT sure I agree with that logic. A locksmith spends his or her time solving LOCK and KEY problems on a daily basis. The Exalted dealer at the holy Ford shrine MAY cut what, 3-5 keys, in a month? Using a "Clipper" type of machine that is highly susceptible to operator error as a result of inexperience, improper adjustment and wear and tear. A locksmith makes his or her living AND stakes their reputation on their keys working smoothly and properly. And they don't get to charge anywhere NEAR what an automotive dealer charges.
Yes, as you may have guessed, I am a locksmith with 30 plus years of auto/commercial/residential and institutional experience. Any competent locksmith can perform whatever task is needed to get this problem solved in the here and now as well as the long term. Go see your locksmith and leave the dealership for when you need something that could only come from Ford.
-M!ke-

I can tell you from personal experience that a dealer can do the job quickly and it is not all that expensive. As I recall it was something like $7.50 plus tax. What happened is, my granddaughter lost her keys (she found them about a month later) and I went to the dealership with her VIN. They made a phone call, (presumably to GM) and once they got whatever it is they get from GM, they were able to make a new key in less than 5 minutes. I took it home, gave it to the granddaughter and it worked perfectly.

If you can do that in less time and for less money, that's great. If I need a key made I will be contacting you. I don't know that all dealerships would be that efficient, I am sure some are better, and some are worse, but instead of criticizing ALL dealers why not give them a chance? Not ALL dealers are out to screw you, I have found over the years that most of them are pretty honest people.

 

[johninct]

Go to ford, they have a punch cutting machine that will cut the key without having to copy the old one. Lot easier and more reliable than trying to bend it and duplicate it.

DO THIS. I had to get a new key for my Olds, the guy just looked at it and then punched it out.

 

[ssdave]

NOT sure I agree with that logic. A locksmith spends his or her time solving LOCK and KEY problems on a daily basis. The Exalted dealer at the holy Ford shrine MAY cut what, 3-5 keys, in a month? Using a "Clipper" type of machine that is highly susceptible to operator error as a result of inexperience, improper adjustment and wear and tear. A locksmith makes his or her living AND stakes their reputation on their keys working smoothly and properly. And they don't get to charge anywhere NEAR what an automotive dealer charges.
Yes, as you may have guessed, I am a locksmith with 30 plus years of auto/commercial/residential and institutional experience. Any competent locksmith can perform whatever task is needed to get this problem solved in the here and now as well as the long term. Go see your locksmith and leave the dealership for when you need something that could only come from Ford.
-M!ke-

I'm not sure what machine you've seen a dealer using, but what you're describing is not what they've used for me. The machine they've used is tailored for the ford key, you insert the key, dial in the number, and push down on the handle and out comes a factory cut key. No burs, no trial and error, just works.

I'd love to have you near me if you charge less than the dealership, have a high level of experience and don't have an attitude. My local locksmith meets none of those 3 criteria!

 

[NC357]

Well, I went to a real locksmith and she was able to copy the key in it's bent state. She was reluctant that it would load into her machine but it actually came out quite well.

Then she offered to straighten the other key - for copies only - she said it's best if I ever need a copy to copy the original, which makes sense, but the old key is forever weak and should not be used. She was able to put it in a vice and get it mostly straight without breaking.

Grand total $4. Very happy I could get this done locally, by a self employed expert for less than a good beer.

I'm sure the Ford dealer could have got me a key just as fast, but for more money, and they would probably try to sell me another Ford while I'm there, and, nobody is self employed.

 

[woodzy]

I went to my ford dealer once and asked them about cutting me a key to try to unlock my door as the key I got with the truck did not want to turn the door cylinders (either side). I thought maybe someone replaced the ignition switch key and didn't change the door cylinders and that was the reason neither door cylinder would turn with the key. I gave him the VIN number and he just cut a standard key (no transponder) and said to go home and squirt some oil / WD40 in the lock three or four times over the weekend and then insert the key he gave me with a pair of pliers and try to unlock the door with this key. Well, worked like a charm and really the only problem was they were just frozen up since most people just use the key fob to unlock the doors. He didn't even charge me for the key.

 

[TractorJeff]

I got 2 keys with my "New" used truck. Next time I went in for my free oil change, they made me a New key for less than $20. I have one, Wife has one and a spare for when I leave my keys in and the wife locks the doors.

 

[jubilee]

I'm surprised your new key starts vehicle. My SIL 2000 f150 has a transponder key.

 

[ssdave]

Super duty went to transponder a bit later than the 150.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Key is numbered. Replace with same number...

Tommy

 

[NC357]

Key is numbered. Replace with same number...

Tommy

Maybe a Master pad lock, not a Ford. The only number on my OEM key is "8", I suspect there are more than one vehicle with this number.

The "number" is your VIN.