Latest Tool--Key Duplicating Machine

[honcho]

I've long wanted to be able to duplicate my own keys even though I'll likely have still go to a locksmith to buy single blanks keys at a reasonable cost. Yesterday, trolling a local thrift store I found an older Ilco key duplicating machine. For less than $19 with tax, I have some key cutting goodness. Of course, I won't be able to program transponders or cut dimple nor tubular keys but for run of the mill stuff I think I'm in business.
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UbJ77iWaMGbkntDvtRQdibjopB9h4tigKrHyTUwm-us?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GkhrzNnZOZc/Tg0Bsf4WCEI/AAAAAAAAF78/LoknilzBxk8/s400/IMG00061-20110630-1906.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>

 

[dan1120]

Thats incredible. I used to be a locksmith and can appreciate the older machines. Check to make sure its still in spec. Be sure to pick up the most common size house key blanks, like the KW1 and SC1.

 

[cowboy73]

I used to use one like that when I worked at the lumberyard! Mine dad was the master of key cutting though. People use to bring in broken keys and he would very carefully clamp the broken bits into the template side and 99 times out of a 100 he could make them a working key. He always told them to bring the key back if it didn't work and he would he would make it right. He used to 'finesse' alot of keys that people had cut at other places. Those key machines allowed you to replicate some pretty worn out old keys unlike the newer fully automatic ones. Great score!

 

[BigAl62]

My local Industrial Supply Center (their name, not mine, but full of good things!) uses one of these. I've brought in my Ford transponder keys (blanks are cheap on eBay) and they've cut them for me - always work, never had a key that didn't work. I program them myself with a Rotunda NGS scan tool.

 

[Stick]

My local Industrial Supply Center (their name, not mine, but full of good things!) uses one of these. I've brought in my Ford transponder keys (blanks are cheap on eBay) and they've cut them for me - always work, never had a key that didn't work. I program them myself with a Rotunda NGS scan tool.

Ford keys that use the PATS system are easy to program, especially if you have the two original keys that came with the vehicle. Put both keys in and cycle them (key off, on, off), then put in the un-programmed keys and cycle them and remove from the ignition, and you should be in business. The vehicle can store up to 8 programmed keys.

 

[BigMike782]

http://www.zipflockco.com/

They should be able to sell you blanks.
Also make sure you have a good plastic brush wheel to clean them up with and make sure you only cut brass and aluminum blanks you DO NOT want to buy a new cutter.....$$$$$$.

I used to buy SC1,KW1 and Y1 blanks in boxes of 500 and get multiple boxes at a time......I've cut so many keys I about threw up in my mouth when I saw this thread

 

[Ford12508]

In the past year I think I have cut over 1 thousand keys. It really is so simple with the old machines, even if the key is worn or needs to be "customized" with some new stops.

 

[BigAl62]

Ford keys that use the PATS system are easy to program, especially if you have the two original keys that came with the vehicle. Put both keys in and cycle them (key off, on, off), then put in the un-programmed keys and cycle them and remove from the ignition, and you should be in business. The vehicle can store up to 8 programmed keys.

I know, but my last 2 cars only came with 1 key so I had to use the scan tool. You can program remotes with 1 key though.

 

[kf4zht]

I recently picked up a Ilco mini-mite 008a. Looks brand new, wheel is in perfect shape. Thinking about flipping it for a profit, but it seems like it would make itself well worth it over time. Need to pick up some blanks to have on hand.


I do have a question for the locksmiths. I have re-pin sets but have only re-keyed to existing factory cut keys. How do you cut a key just based on what pins you use on the lock?

 

[Danglerb]

With so many little hardward stores folding, hard to imagine much of a market exists for the old key cutters.

 

[Bull]

Hey, post a how-to once you use this thing.

I got one for free from my wife's family after her granddad passed away, along with a box of various blanks. I have no idea hot to use it, or how to evaluate its condition, though.