StevenB Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 I've been trying to cut safe keys for a local bank. It's a chubb safe, and the keys I have cut lock but won't unlock. The machine is calibrated correctly, the depth of cuts on the keys match (to the nearest 0.1mm at least). Can anybody give any suggestions as to what I can do from here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 I should add that they have 2 different safe keys (not sure if its 2 safes or 2 locks in the same safe) and I've cut keys for one of them today without problem, the other I just can't get to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gray Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Are you cutting from the original key or a copy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Original Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Generally with most mortice/safe locks when it comes to Locking you can be close but not deadly accurate (not all locks) but Unlocking you must be absolutely spot on. Are they single or double bit keys and are the cuts on the original radiused is the bit thickness exactly the same ?. You also have to take into account heat build up when cutting a deep cut as it will often take a fraction to much off. Cut the keys a little fraction higher and using a feather file just roll the edge of the cuts slightly over. I have a silca Lancer plus that i only use for safe key work usually double bitted but i get about 1 in 10 that needs slight adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 They are single bitted. The original is radiused, I've tried radiusing on the machine, and gentle hand filing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamparker Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Try setting your machine slightly higher, and make sure the bit thickness are the same as this can be the cause of your problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 I have in the past took the original safe key (double sided) to someone who has a computer cutting machine (over 20K), which reads the key then makes the new keys the same as a brand new key and allows for any wear, took me 30 minutes to get to the place and 30 back, the new key would not work, so tried to hand file to get the rounded cuts to allow and this did not work - then went back cut 2 new keys got back STILL did not work! I was interested in buying this system but for some reason did not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleutel Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 I have in the past took the original safe key (double sided) to someone who has a computer cutting machine (over 20K), which reads the key then makes the new keys the same as a brand new key and allows for any wear, took me 30 minutes to get to the place and 30 back, the new key would not work, so tried to hand file to get the rounded cuts to allow and this did not work - then went back cut 2 new keys got back STILL did not work! I was interested in buying this system but for some reason did not! This is what i see often, it's not only having the equipment but you need patience and skills to use it, set it up correctly etc. what can be a realy pain in the a**. Automatic calibration is not always precise enough. And even then measure measure measure, try to inmagine the levers go over the bittings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k4mrc Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 "This is what i see often, it's not only having the equipment but you need patience and skills to use it, set it up correctly etc. what can be a realy pain in the a**. Automatic calibration is not always precise enough. And even then measure measure measure, try to inmagine the levers go over the bittings." I actually took the key to one of the best (ever) in the business, Stuart (RIP) @ Davenport Burgess, he knew all about patience etc, and all the things you mentioned. Still had problems with all his knowledge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autolock Posted February 18, 2012 Report Share Posted February 18, 2012 badly cut safe keys can cause lockouts ,best to get a safe engineer to cut the keys on site if its causing that much problem especially for a bank quality safe could save a lot of aggro in long term, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenB Posted March 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2012 UPDATE: Customer finally found time to come back, cut keys as per advice above & they all worked perfectly first time. Thanks folks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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