Why will no one cut a key blank for me?

kwm · 10-05-2006, 07:22 AM

Of the 2 keys to my SC one is original the other is not. I would like to have 2 of the original keys so I ordered two original blanks but no one will cut them. I have been told that the keys are made of steel that is too hard for their machine. The machine will cut them but it wears out the cutter. Has anyone else had this problem? My local Porsche dealer said he has a guy who will do it it is cost $40 per key b/c the head has to be replaced. I'll be damned if it isn't always SOMETHING with these cars. Anyone know how I can get this accomplished?

Tyson Schmidt · 10-05-2006, 07:24 AM

Back in the early 90's, I had the dealer get me two new keys from Germany by giving them the V.I.N. from my '72. For like $35, I got a black and a red that matched my locks.

I don't know if they still do this.

kwm · 10-05-2006, 07:29 AM

Thanks Tyson but he said he cant get them like that anymore. He said he can order and laser cut keys for later models but not mine. I am not even sure what he ment by this b/c I have never seen the keys to a latter model.

Hawkney911 · 10-05-2006, 07:29 AM

i took mine to a doit best or ace hardware store and they cut them for free

kwm · 10-05-2006, 07:32 AM

Hawkney, I was thinking about just going to a place where they really didnt know any better and then just play dumb if anything happened

swa911 · swa911's Garage

I was told the same thing by local locksmiths when I tried to get OEM blanks cut. There is a place called Mr. Lock in Euless, TX who was reccommended to my by Zim's Autotechnik who did it with no problem.

I don't know if its possible but you might be able to send them the keys throught the mail.

Just a thought.

kwm · 10-05-2006, 07:39 AM

swa911-Thanks for the input. At least someone else had this problem. My car is a daily driver so I cant mail the keys out. Later

RallyJon · 10-05-2006, 07:43 AM

Tony Euganeo is an expert in older Porsche keys and has the factory cutters and a full stock of blanks. You don't need to send both originals. Call him and explain the problem and he'll tell you want to do:

http://www.lockandkeyid.com

john walker's workshop · 10-05-2006, 07:47 AM

just buy the locksmith's key blank and have him cut it for you.

David in VA · 10-05-2006, 07:50 AM

I bought several blanks from Pelican and took the to the ACE hardware down the street. Cut them with no issues for a couple of bucks.

kwm · 10-05-2006, 07:50 AM

the locksmiths key blank isnt going to match the Porsche key blank and original looking keys is what I am after rather than the set I have now that looks like they belong to a tractor.

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by kwm
the locksmiths key blank isnt going to match the Porsche key blank and original looking keys is what I am after rather than the set I have now that looks like they belong to a tractor.

PORSCHE made Tractors

RallyJon · 10-05-2006, 08:22 AM

You don't grind Porsche keys, you punch them. If your locksmith uses a conventional cutting wheel to cut your keys, just walk away.

Craig 930 RS · 10-05-2006, 08:34 AM

If you need help, send it to me and I'lll have a bunch made for you.
Send me a PM.

Zeke · 10-05-2006, 08:42 AM

Jon, I think you're referring to a key dulpicator that follows an existing key pattern and grinds the new key. Yes, there are some inherent problems with this method, especially in the hands of an inexperienced operator such as you might find at a hardware store.

However, that having been said, as a carpenter who has dealt with locks and keys for many years (household and commercial), I don't see what it is that you object to. A punch is used when there's no key to copy, but a good duplicator works fine, AFAIC, if the key being copied isn't too worn.

Now, thathaving been said, one must consider the condition of the lock cylinder. Many times a freshly punched key will not work in an old, worn cylinder unless the cuts are "worn" down by a wire brush (beyond the normal deburring).

Could you come back with your comments?

RallyJon · 10-05-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Could you come back with your comments?

My experience with duplicating 911 key for my '71 was that the grinding wheel style machine destroyed two OE blanks trying to follow the worn down key. Perhaps a really skilled operator can look at a worn key, see what it should look like and tweak the grinder accordingly? Not at my local hardware store, though.

IMO, better to punch a correct key and buff it down a bit if needed to fit an old cylinder.

Of course, if your original key is in better shape, you have more options.

kwm · 10-05-2006, 08:55 AM

Craig- I cant mail my keys out to someone with blanks and a cutter b/c I drive the car at least 4 or 5 days a week and I only have one set of keys.

RallyJon · 10-05-2006, 08:57 AM

I bet someone with the correct punch tool could work off a photocopy. These keys really are simple.

kwm · 10-05-2006, 08:58 AM

If I have a worn key, which I would think would also equal a worn lock, why would a new key not work? It seems that a worn lock would be more likely to accept a less than perfect duplicate more so than a new lock would be.

Craig 930 RS · 10-05-2006, 09:06 AM

Milt gives great advice above - do exactly what he says.
Burnish a new key and it usuually works. I had to do this o
n my 160,000 mile SC -