y'all think a locksmith

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jeanw

Feeling the Heat
Hearth Supporter
Sep 23, 2008
402
ky
can make a key from a pic and the key number and Fit the lock and turn the tumblers.? The Ebay seller in my case didn't. My key is a bit longer. RAH
 
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drill out the lock and start over.
 
I bet they can...my local ACE has a new key machine that just scans the key, picks the blank, and cuts it all on its own...they can even put in quantity and walk away to help another customer...when its done the light turns green and it beeps a couple times...pretty cool...oh, and yes, the keys worked perfectly.
 
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I bet they can...my local ACE has a new key machine that just scans the key, picks the blank, and cuts it all on its own...they can even put in quantity and walk away to help another customer...when its done the light turns green and it beeps a couple times...pretty cool...oh, and yes, the keys worked perfectly.
How will it scan a picture?? If he had the key there’s no issue.
 
How will it scan a picture?? If he had the key there’s no issue.
I dunno...just saying it wouldn't surprise me if it can be done...
 
I dunno...just saying it wouldn't surprise me if it can be done...
At our local ACE they would look up the key code to find the correct blank. That should ensure proper sizing. Not sure if they could go from a key picture or if they actually would do that. They guarantee the key will work so they want you to have success.
 
I would say that is a security issue, making a key from a pic. I hope that technology (if existent) has not been implemented in regular hardware stores....
 
I would say that is a security issue, making a key from a pic. I hope that technology (if existent) has not been implemented in regular hardware stores....
Yes, I could see them being hesitant in that case. Likewise if you brought in an impression in a soapbar. >>
 
A big difference that I see between a soap bar and pic is the object in the pic can vary from actual size by small details such as how far away the camera is from the key, what angle the camera is relative to the key, etc.
 
Jean, you may have luck asking the locksmith to rekey your lock. They can adjust the internals to match a known key.
 
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A locksmith can just make a new key from nothing, or as stated rekey a lock. I know a guy who worked as a mobile locksmith for many years. They can make a key to fit the lock just by figuring out the blank and cutting it until it works. Once they know how the key needs to be shaped they can easily replicate it.
 
This can be and has been done but I don't think just any locksmith would do it. You'd need to hire a specialist and I think the service would be expensive if you can find someone to do it. The key duplicators at the average hardware store require an actual size physical key to make a copy.

Having the number for the blank makes it much easier, since you know the size of the key. Without that you'd be guessing or having to measure off of other reference objects in the picture.
From there some basic image processing will give you a scale model of the key that can be cut.

It has been suggested that this is becoming a security vulnerability as smartphone cameras and image processing algorithms improve and why you should carry keys in your pocket rather than hanging on your belt where people can take pictures of them. But of course just because someone has a picture of a key doesn't mean they know what lock it goes to or that they would go to the effort of copying it.
 
ah. y'all dont seem to understand I have the original key. and Hubby found the other original key. later, But I wanted the Schlage exact key with the exact key number on it. But the four I sent for from Ebay DO not work. For one thing the Schlage keys he sent precut is not quite as long as my original key, I called Schlage myself and they they dont have or sell the same exact key. Duh Thats hard to believe cause I couldnt believe Im that only one that has that same configuration.
So why would I want to change lock when lock and my original keys work fine.
I wanted to be able to identify that exact key on another king ring for backups, Understand now y'all? Im a woman I want what I want. Hard headed LOL
So the ebay guy needs to remake or refund my key money. There was no way was I going to send that key off in the mail etc.......
Thanks all and Blessings
 
I like stubborn women ---lol..I am sure you will solve the problem..Now this seems to be a long thread and I regret not reading it all and just in case someone has mentioned what I am going to mention is this...I believe that you are going to have to change that lock out if it is a house lock..They have those door knob and otherwise locks that have tumblers that you make you own key by sticking it in and turning it--it changes the tumblers to the key...just a suggestion hoping I am not way off base here...clancey
 
ah. y'all dont seem to understand I have the original key. and Hubby found the other original key. later, But I wanted the Schlage exact key with the exact key number on it. But the four I sent for from Ebay DO not work. For one thing the Schlage keys he sent precut is not quite as long as my original key, I called Schlage myself and they they dont have or sell the same exact key. Duh Thats hard to believe cause I couldnt believe Im that only one that has that same configuration.
So why would I want to change lock when lock and my original keys work fine.
I wanted to be able to identify that exact key on another king ring for backups, Understand now y'all? Im a woman I want what I want. Hard headed LOL
So the ebay guy needs to remake or refund my key money. There was no way was I going to send that key off in the mail etc.......
Thanks all and Blessings
If you simply want to be able to identify the key easily just have a copy made and engrave it with whatever identifying marks you want
 
I guess I've lost sight of why, if you have 2 working keys, you can't just go to the hardware and get a couple more made?
If you want to easily ID them on a full keychain, they make various colored plastic markers that can be put onto the key head...or just paint your favorite color of nail polish on the head...most womens should like that one! ::-)
 
I think you need to take your key to a place to be made.
 
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well none of the four the Ebay guy made fit. He can't understand why not since I gave him the key number. I want extras cause we so Hubby has a way I lose whole sets. Me so far only one set in the many. many years. My original two keys are a bit longer. The Eby guy wants me to send back for a refund. I don't want refund just nice working keys Thanks all
 
It is called bitting. There are bitting codes for each type of key and lock. If you know the manufacturer and can get the number, a key can be cut. You can also cut a key just from a picture of an existing key. You could send me a picture of your key ring and if your house key was visible, a copy could be made. Locks are just simple puzzles.....