Key Copying...

[Tenorclefninja]

Does anyone here have any solid information about key impressions and copying via clay? I know there was a talk about it at thelastHOPE, however I can't seem to find a hard enough metal to make the copy.
Thanks!

[Nod]

lrn 2 google

[MelloKira]

Here's a neat video showing how to make a key out of an empty soda can:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-IP0nb8nYcnc/copy_a_key_in_sixty_seconds/

[murd0c]

Here's a neat video showing how to make a key out of an empty soda can:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-IP0nb8nYcnc/copy_a_key_in_sixty_seconds/

You'd just breakoff aluminum in your lock, no?

[Tachyon]

PM me and I'll dig out my CIA CDs I have a scanned manual of theirs on key copying in the field.

[Tenorclefninja]

lrn 2 google

I found no useful information that way...therefore I am picking the minds of PLA's finest.
Thanx.

[Krash69]

PM me and I'll dig out my CIA CDs I have a scanned manual of theirs on key copying in the field.

You think you could PM me too with their manual I'd appreciate it

[Tachyon]

http://www.amazon.com/CIA-Field-Expedient-Key-Casting-Manual/dp/0873644956

That's what I had, I'm still looking for the CD but it wasn't on the one I thought it was on. Sorry everybody, this one isn't even that applicable as I recall it used a low temperature casting to make a copy of a key then you use that as a pattern to make a real key (the manual says to have it done by a key-cutter, since they're the CIA and when they tell you to cut keys you do it and don't ask questions if you don't wanna end up with half your head missing in a garbage bag in a ditch somewhere).

[WordyMcBeard]

I had a friend that made a mould out of fimo clay and then made an epoxy key, after that he just had the hardware store copy it. You just need to know the right people.

[ibm4mad]

If you have any type of molding, impession, or even if you got ahold of someone's key and TRACED the groove patern onto a piece of paper (carefully) all you have to do is go to walmart and get some key blanks.  If they say they won't give them to you without cutting them, then just wait until the key-cutting center closes at night time (usually around 9ish), go behind there, grab the keys you need and then either steal them or pay for them at the regular check-out line.  The cashier won't know "not" to scan an un-cut key.

Then just get a wood file from the hardware store and file down the key to the groove pattern you attained from whatever way.

[rbcp]

Same thing with just about any Home Depot.  When I want a key made, I have to stand at the key center forever, waiting for an employee to come over.  I could take as many blanks as I want while waiting around.  If you know how to use the machine, you could probably do it yourself and they'd never notice.

[Yauch]

The key copier machines are pretty easy to use.. at least the one I used.

Clamp the key you want to copy in the vise on the left put the blank on the right. Turn on the spinny cutter of death. Lower the tracer/cutter. As it traces the shape of the key the cutter will move up and down left to right in line with the cutter. (They're both mounted on the same bar). A pretty good dupe should come out and all you do then is lightly grind off some of the harder edges.

Wal Mart had a different system where they just put your key and the blank into a machine and then the rest was automated. They also had the cheapest price for copying keys.

[phonsmith]

The easy way..
Take your impression and get a proper blank. Mesure your impression and transfer the measurement to the blank and file the blank with a hand file.

The hard way.

Make an impression with clay. Let it dry. Get coreless solder and a torch and melt the solder into the mold. When it cools it will work. Just be gentle.   

The best way..
If you have prolonged access to the key and it is a fairly simple key you can copy it with nothing more than a pair of vice-grips and a round taper file. With some practice you can make a copy in less than 7 mins.

[I-baLL]

http://www.amazon.com/CIA-Field-Expedient-Key-Casting-Manual/dp/0873644956

That's what I had, I'm still looking for the CD but it wasn't on the one I thought it was on. Sorry everybody, this one isn't even that applicable as I recall it used a low temperature casting to make a copy of a key then you use that as a pattern to make a real key (the manual says to have it done by a key-cutter, since they're the CIA and when they tell you to cut keys you do it and don't ask questions if you don't wanna end up with half your head missing in a garbage bag in a ditch somewhere).

The aforementioned CIA manual is located at:

http://survival-training.info/Library/Anarchy/CIA%20Field%20Expedient%20Key%20Casting%20Manual%20-%20CIA.pdf

though the quality of the scan is kinda shitty.

Also for the metal they tell you to use an "alloy slug" which seems like something they probably provide to field agents.

Personally I love the part that says:

"Congratulations! You have now cast the key.

If you poured hot metal on your fingers, you probably discovered that you were more startled than hurt. The metal cools so fast that it is very unlikely to burn."

If you forget the fact that it's a CIA manual you'll think that you're reading a book for kids.