Where to get keys?

[n8n]

Hi,

I have two boxes I need keys for, a Kennedy and an old Rem-Line. Both are open and I even have a key for the Kennedy, just want a second. Here's the problem. When I lived in NoVA, I knew of a chain of old school locksmiths as well as another decent locksmith shop, so I had three choices vaguely nearby.

I need either a key copied or cut from code for the Kennedy.

I need two keys made from code or from the lock cylinder for the Rem-Line.

I now live in Maryland and I cannot find any kind of brick and mortar, walk in locksmith shop. It's all mobile services; I've inquired of a few of them and they apparently just won't do what I want. I also inquired of a web site offering mail order keys for old toolboxes, he says he doesn't have the codes I gave him.

I've posted on my facebook asking if any locals know of a locksmith shop that may not have an online presence (probably what I want, frankly) and now I'm posting here to see if anyone has any bright ideas, other than me driving an hour plus each way to one of the shops that I bet could hook me up (but won't do it while I wait, so I'd have to make the trip again.)

thanks for any advice...

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Ship the locks to them-

They key them and send them back.

 

[n8n]

Ship the locks to them-

They key them and send them back.

Any place you know of that does this kind of work mail order or should I just call the places I know and ask?

 

[SweetD]

I have had luck with a couple of eBay sellers to make new keys from the cylinder codes.

 

[bdbecker]

I've had no issues with ordering keys online just using the code on the lock or key you already have - pick a seller or website that has a good reputation and guarantee and call it a day.

 

[DGersic]

There’s a local guy here that does the mobile only locksmith thing, but he can do what you’re looking for. He picked open and cut a key for my 37 Chevy trunk latch for me. I took off the lock handle, he met me at my work office in the parking lot, and I handed him the handle. A couple days later, he met me again, returned the handle and keys, and I paid him a very reasonable fee.

So, just because they’re “mobile”, don’t discount them.



Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[superjared]

Easykeys.com.

You can simply select the manufacturer and key code. I've ordered from them several times and its super simple.

 

[n8n]

I've had no issues with ordering keys online just using the code on the lock or key you already have - pick a seller or website that has a good reputation and guarantee and call it a day.

After talking to the one place that will do it, that is what I will do for the Kennedy - I can find that easily, but the sort of kind of local place wants $40 to cut a key from code... no thanks, looks like I can get it less than $10 online. The problem is the Rem-Line box, I haven't found anywhere yet that recognizes that key code, and I don't know how to ID who made the lock anyway.

There’s a local guy here that does the mobile only locksmith thing, but he can do what you’re looking for. He picked open and cut a key for my 37 Chevy trunk latch for me. I took off the lock handle, he met me at my work office in the parking lot, and I handed him the handle. A couple days later, he met me again, returned the handle and keys, and I paid him a very reasonable fee.

So, just because they’re “mobile”, don’t discount them.

The problem is not that they're mobile, the problem is that the few places I've sent a web form inquiry, they've replied that they don't do that kind of work

So it looks like I'm going to have to take a morning off work if I want to get this sorted... closest location is only open 8-5 and isn't particularly close.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

Those tool box locks are inexpensive and available in a wide variety of configurations. The same locks are used in a ton of similar metal boxes. Unless you are sentimental about the old locks, or really want to keep your boxes "original" just change out the locks.



.

 

[n8n]

Update: the local "chain" locksmith had a location about 15 miles away from me but due to geography and traffic it still would have been about a 45 minute drive each way, and I was told that a key cut to code was minimum $40. I just brute force searched the key code that I couldn't find anywhere and ended up at easykeys.com - no affiliation just happy. One key for the Kennedy and two for the Rem-Line (I knew I was rolling the dice on the latter, but for the price I was OK with it) and a replacement lock cylinder clip was less than $30 shipped and they arrived in three days. Can't argue with that. Now I just need to finish cleaning the Kennedy so I can put stuff in it.

 

[captain14]

Where in MD?

Ernies Lock Co. In Riverdale Park MD. Just south of College Park off RT 1.

http://www.ernieslock.com/locations/

 

[n8n]

Damn, if you'd posted earlier I would have checked them out. Didn't show up when I web searched. I work in Beltsville, but I am familiar with that area, I used to work in Brentwood just outside of DC.

Now that you mention it, that name sounds familiar. They may have made me keys for one of my old Studebakers back in the day and I just completely forgot about them.

 

[captain14]

On Queensbury Road, between Rt 1 and the railroad tracks.
Almost behind the Old Calvert Inn location.