Rekeying and/or key cut based on photocopy??

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Aaroona

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#161786 19-Jan-2015 20:37

I'm finally handing my notice in tomorrow, to move to the CBD (FINALLY... long process to find the right place).

It appears that I have misplaced the keys for the ranch slider we had, and I don't believe the Estate agent kept a copy (only to the front door).

There is one, maybe two options I'm thinking.

I happen to have a photocopy of the key (done during signing on tenacy papers) which clearly shows the key's groves 1:1 ratio, as well as the key type. Would it be possible for a locksmith to cut a key based on this?

Otherwise, I assume I'd need to go down the rekeying route and replace the cylinder.

Given the other option would be cheaper, I'd prefer that, but if not, I might just have to suck it up and find a new cylinder.

TL;DR, has anyone requested and successfully had a key cut based on a photocopy?

Mark

1653 posts

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#1217867 19-Jan-2015 20:44

Would a locksmith accept a photocopy ? Sounds a bit dubious :-)

you could always buy a blank yourself and take a file to it, I've done it before, was;t too hard.

Aaroona

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#1217870 19-Jan-2015 20:47

Mark: Would a locksmith accept a photocopy ? Sounds a bit dubious :-)

you could always buy a blank yourself and take a file to it, I've done it before, was;t too hard.

Maybe If I showed him the rest of the paperwork he'd believe me!

I did think about the blank key, however, I need 3 of them haha. While I wouldn't mind training myself in the art of key forging, would rather a more sure-fire way if possible with the least amount of effort :P

richms

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#1217943 19-Jan-2015 22:53

If its one they can decode from the photocopy then it should be fine, as they can just make a new one from the numbers that they get from decoding it (fancy locksmith way of saying measuring it)

If its one they cant do that for like some of the weird locks that would be more at home on a filing cabinet then probably not, Doesnt hurt to ask them tho.

Go to a real lock place, not a shoe repair mall kiosk that happens to have a key cutting machine.

Richard rich.ms

insane

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#1217944 19-Jan-2015 22:56

richms: If its one they can decode from the photocopy then it should be fine, as they can just make a new one from the numbers that they get from decoding it (fancy locksmith way of saying measuring it)

If its one they cant do that for like some of the weird locks that would be more at home on a filing cabinet then probably not, Doesnt hurt to ask them tho.

Go to a real lock place, not a shoe repair mall kiosk that happens to have a key cutting machine.

Problem is that Armstrong aren't cheap, so it may well be cheaper to just replace the barrel.

Batman

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#1217951 19-Jan-2015 23:22

begg security? they seem to be able to code anything i throw at them

TLD

902 posts

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#1217952 19-Jan-2015 23:23

Aaroona:
Mark: Would a locksmith accept a photocopy ? Sounds a bit dubious :-)

you could always buy a blank yourself and take a file to it, I've done it before, was;t too hard.

Maybe If I showed him the rest of the paperwork he'd believe me!

I did think about the blank key, however, I need 3 of them haha. While I wouldn't mind training myself in the art of key forging, would rather a more sure-fire way if possible with the least amount of effort :P

You only need to hand cut one of them.

Trevor Dennis
Rapaura (near Blenheim)