Key Cutting Machines?

[1965c1O]

Only have 1 ignition/door key, so to be safe, went to Home Depot to get a duplicate key made.

After looking at it funny for a while, the employee tried to match it to his machine and said the key is too small for the copier. In addition, most hardware stores use this model machine.

Is there a specific machine that I can call around for, that can copy the key?

[6lcummins]

If you have blanks any key cutter should be able to cut them. I work at a KW dealer and we cut keys for old semis and the newer ones alike with the same machine.

[aerotruk63]

Find a locksmith, he'll be able to do it right.

[DesertCat]

Check with member LocDoc... he will surely know.

[FetchMeAPepsi]

I just had this done (see my build for the story of the kid who can't see straight). You just need a blank called "B10" that you can find on the internet. You can take it to any key cutter like Ace Hardware or Lowes. I don't shop at Home Depot bc they fund bad stuff.

You might even be able to get it cut at a hotel if you ask the maintenance guy real nice. they have key cutters that they might have kept back from the time before electronic keys.

Edited to add that even walmart cuts keys. Might be able to get them to do it if you bring the blank.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by FetchMeAPepsi

I just had this done (see my build for the story of the kid who can't see straight). You just need a blank called "B10" that you can find on the internet. You can take it to any key cutter like Ace Hardware or Lowes. I don't shop at Home Depot bc they fund bad stuff.

You might even be able to get it cut at a hotel if you ask the maintenance guy real nice. they have key cutters that they might have kept back from the time before electronic keys.

Edited to add that even walmart cuts keys. Might be able to get them to do it if you bring the blank.

We've had good luck with ALL the GM dealerships, when I had my own blank.
sam

[61_FL_Apache]

Only use a locksmith for keys like this.. HD will not have blanks for it.

[1965c1O]

So the problem is that they don't have the right blank, not the machine?

Thanks.

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by 1965c1O

So the problem is that they don't have the right blank, not the machine?

Thanks.

,,,that's been our exper....

[1965c1O]

Originally Posted by luvbowties

,,,that's been our exper....

ok, got it thanks!

[FetchMeAPepsi]

Originally Posted by 1965c1O

So the problem is that they don't have the right blank, not the machine?

Thanks.

I can't say that because some of the newer places use an automated machine and I don't know 100% how it works. it may need a longer key than we have on our trucks. That's why I said you might have to hit up a hotel or an old hardware store.

If you can't find someone after too much looking and worst comes to worst you can send me your key and I'll cut two of 'em for you. I ordered a bunch of blanks after our local place ran out so I got some just sitting around.

[jchicago]

I stopped going to box stores and chain stores for keys. 50% of the time they are cut wrong, either don't work or you have to shimmy the key to find the sweet spot to turn it.

It's worth the few pennies to go to a locksmith and get them cut.

[Brad54]

I think in this case it's the lack of the right key blank, AND the machine at Home Depot.
I watched them cut a new key for my house locks, and they load the blank into a small box--they have a couple of these boxes, for different applications--and stick the box in the machine, and it cuts the key.
It's not like the old one with the guy running the key across the cutter.

Our local feed store has the old cutter, and the right blanks for my truck and cars.

-Brad

[gmcbigbl]

Last fall went to Ace Hardware with my key for 1966 Chev and for $.99 each I had 4 keys made. Old timer knew right away what it was and made them up with the key machine that you stick the key on one side and blank on the other and it cuts the new one without anyone touching anything. All four fit perfect with no problems. Four keys for a little over $5.00 with tax. Guess I was lucky?

[BigDan3131]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Only use a locksmith for keys like this.. HD will not have blanks for it.

+1

I was a locksmith, locksmith's have the right blank and the proper machine to cut them. Those automatic cutters are a joke and even the common house keys get cut wrong.

[oem4me]

Long story short. Saved a buck or so and had a key made at Home Cheapo for my wife's Accord. Ignition switch geeked on first use and I ended up spending several hundred repairing the column before the car was usable again. Lesson learned: pay someone who has the proper equipment and knows what they are doing. End of story.

[PoDuck]

Okay, I don't know why nobody has pointed this out, but all of those machines can make duplicates of master lock keys, which are smaller than the keys for our trucks. They can do it if they have the right blank.

It really doesn't matter who does it. If they screw it up, they have to either do it right, or give you a refund.

Over the years, I've had several keys that were made wrong and had to be replaced. Never once have I ever had a problem getting them to either fix the problem or give me a refund.

[wayno]

I bought my blanks on Ebay and the took them to the local Napa - maybe a buck and a half to cut me a couple of spares...

[KJSR]

I had the exact same issue with HD. I had the blanks but they couldn't cut them. I ended up taking them to the ranch store in town and they cut them for free since I had my own blanks.