Thank you Dennis, we are likely to need your help often.
On Mon, 25 Sep 2017, Dennis Boone via cctalk wrote:
The tricky bit to cutting them is that when Chicago designed them, they
developed several hundred unique curves instead of a set of numbered cut
depths. However, manufacturers of numerical key machines have worked it
out, probably by pretending there are a large number of cut positions.
Curves, instead of finite number of flats, are trivially more difficult to
duplicate, and very difficult to visually decode without the spacing data.
That might not seem so important, but in 2007, keys were made for Diebold
voting machines from pictures on a Diebold website:
http://spiralbound.net/blog/2007/01/25/diebold-voting-machine-key-copied-from-photo/
HOWEVER, disunirregardless of the curves of the key, the key will work
fine if the flats are at the right height for each of the wafers of the
lock. If one were to disassemble any of the locks of that series, and
measure the spacing of where the wafers contact the key, then it becomes
trivial to decode the key and cut it as a conventional code-cut key.
Hint: Harbor Freight digital caliper
I would assume that the better depth/spacing databases include the Chicago
H series.
Some more info thru Google:
http://www.locksmithledger.com/article/12245464/mosler
There are 11 wafers.
At that time, there were 24 shapes used, but 4 positions for each shape.
The shapes could also be raised or lowere 0.015 inches.
Total of 576 different keys, until they add more shapes.
The wafers are thin and closely spaced, so a code cutting machine needs to
be able to handle narrow cuts.
innards of the lock (patent drawing)!
http://oi62.tinypic.com/34fyw7p.jpg
Sets of "Try out" keys are available.
It is used for high-end cam/cabinet locks, elevators, etc.
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred ci...@xenosoft.com
There are two ways these days to originate one: copy the appropriate
master key (they come in sets from whoever now owns Chicago, or used
from ebay occasionally) onto the appropriate blank; or use a numerically
controlled key machine.
I can originate most of these Chicago keys from my set of masters, if
people are stuck. I think I can also produce the 4T1427 panel lock key,
and with a little testing the tubular XX2946, XX2247, XX2065 (since we
have cut depths for these). I've been trying to get to the point where
I can produce most ccmp related keys, and am interested in expanding
that capability, if people have needs or additional data.
De
