Best manual ford transit worn key reader?

[cobblers.keys]

What is the best tool to use when the customer comes in with a worn key which makes the abcdef/1234 cuts hard to read by eye? Thanks

[Auto Key Wizard]

Constuctive: If you are thinker (of smart mindset)

20/20 vision, the worn key and the cutting machine itself

[Martin b]

if i have a particularly troublesome one ,I tend to pick it and decode it usually works unless the lock has completely had it then ill replace the lock(strip it get the cuts off the wafers ) rebuild the new lock to that code 

 

[cobblers.keys]

I was more thinking about a piece of equipment that is more sofisticated than the old fashioned piece metal strip that ford produced in the 80's that had abcdef along the top with the 1234 cutouts in where you would line up the original key to read the cuts. When the customer has 1 key that is too worn to see the cuts it requires something more accurate than this piece of metal and the naked poor eyesight. I don't have the facilities or expertise to strip a lock down and rebuild. I was hoping to come across a more accurate tool that I could use in the shop. Thanks anyway 

[Count Muppet]

Not great on worn keys though

[cobblers.keys]

Appreciate your help count i have used that in the past but as you said they are not great 

[Auto Key Wizard]

57 minutes ago, cobblers.keys said:

come across a more accurate tool that I could use in the shop

Hence my comment above
Both Silca FO and Keyline Falcon can do this with thought

[cobblers.keys]

I have a machine to cut the keys but will the silca fo actually read the cuts even when a 1 could be a 2 and a 3 could be a 4. Etc  ? 

[Auto Key Wizard]

Offering advice is one thing

Spoon feeding I don't part-take in I'm afraid

[cobblers.keys]

1 hour ago, Auto Key Wizard said:

Offering advice is one thing

Spoon feeding I don't part-take in I'm afraid

You have offered me no advice. I asked which tool/machine will READ the worn cuts not cut the key. 

[rapidlocks]

11 hours ago, cobblers.keys said:

You have offered me no advice. I asked which tool/machine will READ the worn cuts not cut the key. 

he has indeed offered advice , he has told you 2 machines that could help with a little thought and good vision, just not elaborated how .

the readers you speak of will decode a good key but will miss read a worn key , so there isnt a great one of these tibbe readers.

the best solution is to pick and decode the lock to get the correct key , or site read the key which isnt always simple.

[cobblers.keys]

9 minutes ago, rapidlocks said:

he has indeed offered advice , he has told you 2 machines that could help with a little thought and good vision, just not elaborated how .

the readers you speak of will decode a good key but will miss read a worn key , so there isnt a great one of these tibbe readers.

the best solution is to pick and decode the lock to get the correct key , or site read the key which isnt always simple.

OK thank you for your explanation regarding this matter. I now understand more clearly. 

[Auto Key Wizard]

37 minutes ago, rapidlocks said:

he has indeed offered advice, just not elaborated how

Thank you Martin
I gathered it a given, that an experienced key cutter would know how to clamp the worn key in the machine and rotate the cutter manually.
How wrong I was!
And no thanks given

[rapidlocks]

i understood what you meant terry, though never used this method , although i site read most keys even before and after machine decoding to keep my eye in ,  though i normally just pick and decode these then cut the right key 1st time for the minute or so it takes.

[cobblers.keys]

15 hours ago, Auto Key Wizard said:

Offering advice is one thing

Spoon feeding I don't part-take in I'm afraid

You are really going to be thanked when you comment like this ( for example ) aren't you?? I don't think so! I asked if the worn key goes in the fo to copy the profile if you had answered that then you would have been thanked. However instead you decided to put a ridiculous comment.  I don't know what your issue is with me or why you have it in for me so much. I have been on this forum for many years like alot of people on here and although I am no expert in some parts there are many others who ask what I assume to be simple questions but do not get " the keyboard warrior treatment". I wouldn't still be in business after 25 years if I was not doing something correct. This forum is intended to help each other not offend each other. 

[Auto Key Wizard]

Jon,
Your thanks can be kept, I don't need it!
 

17 hours ago, cobblers.keys said:

I don't know what your issue is with me...

I have no issue, The issue is with yourself.

Ridiculous replies/response to answers of questions are generally followed by certain comments (from the member giving advice) that is disliked.

Requests for advice can receive answers broadly or short and to the point, but these should encourage the recipient to think for themself and learn.
To take the the answers onboard and to figure it out.

Reading many of your posts for help it seems you are unable to do either.

Example: In this actual topic.

On 9/17/2024 at 9:30 PM, cobblers.keys said:

but will the Silca FO actually read the cuts even when a 1 could be a 2 and a 3 could be a 4. Etc  ?

Did you actually try? I'm guessing not hence the comment.

On 9/17/2024 at 4:45 PM, cobblers.keys said:

a more accurate tool that I could use in the shop

As you are shop based and not an Auto Locksmith, I did give an in store solution with a tool/machine you already have, and no stripping of locks required, Another skill that costs nothing is that of impressioning the lock, but that requires leaving the store.

Keyboard warrior!
A person who posts highly opinionated text and images online in an aggressive or abusive manner, often without revealing their own identity.

Err no I'm not that person, I help those that help themselves, And my identity is no secret.

BR,
Terry
 

[cobblers.keys]

Terry,

I'm not going to dicect Your previous post or spend any more time going through this topic. I am currently away on my holiday and this is pulling my mood down. I have enough to deal with regarding my anxiety and depression issues so I will now spend the remaining time away with my wife hopefully relaxing. 

[Auto Key Wizard]

35 minutes ago, cobblers.keys said:

anxiety and depression issues

Humm, that's not a good thing, I can't help on that, other than having a positive mind and living a stress-free life like myself

Enjoy the vacation!