How to Cut Key for Pin Tumbler Lock
A pin tumbler lock consists of a cylinder-shaped pin tumbler that contains tiny cylindrical holes that hold pins. There are also pins inside cylinders in the lock that drop down to allow the tumbler to be turned when the correct key is inserted. New keys used in tumbler locks are cut from key blanks. This can be done by a locksmith or at your local hardware store. The person cutting a new key for the pin tumbler lock can cut a new one using the original.
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Instructions
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Insert the key blank into the jaw that is nearest to the cutting blade in the key cutting machine and tighten it by turning the wing nut. This jaw is usually located on the right side of the machine.
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Position the key's shoulder against the key gauge by lowering the gauge and loosening the nut a little to move the key. The key gauge is a little piece of metal that sticks out on both sides of the machine to help line up the keys appropriately. Make sure you retighten the wing nut after making any adjustments.
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Insert the original key in the jaw nearest to the guide, with the shoulder of the key resting against the key gauge. The guide is a piece of steel that sticks out like a finger with a diagonal cut at the end. It is usually located at the left of the key cutter. The guide glides across the original key to guide the cutter over the blank key to cut it to the proper depths.
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Move the key gauge out of the way by lifting it up. Move the carriage containing the keys all the way to the right of the machine.
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Power on the machine and slowly lift the carriage up to the cutter to begin cutting the key. Slowly move the carriage to the left, letting the guide from the original key move the carriage toward or away from you to cut the proper depths, until you reach the end of the key. If available, use a wire brush to clean the key of any metal shavings left on the newly cut key.
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References
- Photo Credit keys #2 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
