toolboxted
Well-known member
There have been many revisions and page changes made to ‘The’ Guide in the past.
Here’s a new one. Original key blanks haven’t been produced for many years and are no longer available. Locksmiths probably don’t have the necessary blank, as you may have found out.
So, an addition of Pg 272 – Alternative Key Blanks, which lists blanks that can be used to make any key for any machinist tool chest lid lock manufacture shown in ‘The’ Guide. Other additional pages show drawings with the necessary key dimensions for each of the lock manufacturers. Now, you can buy an alternative key blank and take along a copy of the dimension page for your key to the locksmith. The Impression Method is used by some locksmiths to determine the key’s lever cuts. No lock modifications are required.
(There is one exception, for Excelsior locks see Pg – 266 in ‘The’ Guide.)
The attached picture is just one example. It’s of a Yale, 4 lever, chest lid lock with the original key # 4X16, which the blank is no longer available. Also shown is a working key for that lock cut from an ILCO 1013GR blank, and another working key cut from a Flat Steel ILCO 1225BL blank. They may not fill the keyway, but they work just fine. Both blanks are obtainable.
Have some fun…….Ted
'The' Guide for Wooden Machinist Tool Chests - Pg 272 - Alternative Key Blanks
Here’s a new one. Original key blanks haven’t been produced for many years and are no longer available. Locksmiths probably don’t have the necessary blank, as you may have found out.
So, an addition of Pg 272 – Alternative Key Blanks, which lists blanks that can be used to make any key for any machinist tool chest lid lock manufacture shown in ‘The’ Guide. Other additional pages show drawings with the necessary key dimensions for each of the lock manufacturers. Now, you can buy an alternative key blank and take along a copy of the dimension page for your key to the locksmith. The Impression Method is used by some locksmiths to determine the key’s lever cuts. No lock modifications are required.
(There is one exception, for Excelsior locks see Pg – 266 in ‘The’ Guide.)
The attached picture is just one example. It’s of a Yale, 4 lever, chest lid lock with the original key # 4X16, which the blank is no longer available. Also shown is a working key for that lock cut from an ILCO 1013GR blank, and another working key cut from a Flat Steel ILCO 1225BL blank. They may not fill the keyway, but they work just fine. Both blanks are obtainable.
Have some fun…….Ted
'The' Guide for Wooden Machinist Tool Chests - Pg 272 - Alternative Key Blanks
Last edited:
