Key Cutting Service?
- Thread starter Dave H
- Start date
SVsick50
Well-known member
Aw man, I'm going through this. I went to the Home Depot and they have the computerized key cutter. The man placed my Suzuki key in the machine and it says "No Match".
When I was in college, I used to work at an Ace Hardware, and I cut keys the old way with that analog grinding machine. We'd find a key that was close to the original and just cut it and test it. It worked 99% of the time.
There's a man at our flea market here in Santa Cruz that cuts them the old way, and I'm willing to bet he's be able to cut it. I would say, maybe look for a similar set up? I'm gonna give it a go this weekend, I think and hope for the best.
When I was in college, I used to work at an Ace Hardware, and I cut keys the old way with that analog grinding machine. We'd find a key that was close to the original and just cut it and test it. It worked 99% of the time.
There's a man at our flea market here in Santa Cruz that cuts them the old way, and I'm willing to bet he's be able to cut it. I would say, maybe look for a similar set up? I'm gonna give it a go this weekend, I think and hope for the best.
Whammy
Veteran of Road Racing
Arrghhh the key monster bit me yesterday.
Went to open the seat to do some document replacement and snap, half the key is dislodged in the seat release.
Do I let that stop me? No, found a way to remove the lock by opening the license plate thingy. It splits in half (not sure I like this set up)
Might be time to get one of those eliminator things.
Popped the seat when I exposed the cable.
Took apart the lock when I popped the tumbler pin, removed all tumblers and springs in order and placed them on a piece of paper. (numbered of course)
Next I used a dental type pick ala harbor freight, and skootched the broken half of the key out
Reversed the pins and springs from 1 to 7 put pin back in , put lock mechanism back in housing, and back on the bike.
Worked like butttah :teeth.
Today I'm going to order me a new transponder key from Aprilia.
Went to open the seat to do some document replacement and snap, half the key is dislodged in the seat release.
Do I let that stop me? No, found a way to remove the lock by opening the license plate thingy. It splits in half (not sure I like this set up)
Might be time to get one of those eliminator things.
Popped the seat when I exposed the cable.
Took apart the lock when I popped the tumbler pin, removed all tumblers and springs in order and placed them on a piece of paper. (numbered of course)
Next I used a dental type pick ala harbor freight, and skootched the broken half of the key out
Reversed the pins and springs from 1 to 7 put pin back in , put lock mechanism back in housing, and back on the bike.
Worked like butttah :teeth.
Today I'm going to order me a new transponder key from Aprilia.
Thanks for replies. I did a quick Google search before asking the question and quickly got the feeling this wasn't going to be fun... I get the sense I was right!
Thanks for the recommendation; will give Rex Key in Berkeley a try. It's not like getting there on 2 wheels will be an issue!
Thanks for the recommendation; will give Rex Key in Berkeley a try. It's not like getting there on 2 wheels will be an issue!
Marcoose
50-50
OP, I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond yesterday, the one off 9th/Brannan/Bryant, and there's a machine that 'cuts any key', including vehicles'. TBD. If that doesn't work, I've used many times Mainline Security on 7th off Brannan, including to copy the CBR's key. (415) 398-6161.
Good luck!
Good luck!
R6Elmo
Well-known member
i've used those kiosks as well called key.me. works fine for may bikes. if you have a chipped one, they could still cut it but they would have to mail it to you. the main thing is the key they give you isnt' OEM, so it doesn't look nice or match....but works as a spare key.
Thanks @Marcoose and @Lowerside. Good to have some additional options.
Was slightly surprised that my STR didn't come with a spare but the dealer is looking after me so no real issue. Hope I'm not tempting fate.. I've never lost a key so likely no issue but it also doesn't feel nice knowing I don't have a spare.
Was slightly surprised that my STR didn't come with a spare but the dealer is looking after me so no real issue. Hope I'm not tempting fate.. I've never lost a key so likely no issue but it also doesn't feel nice knowing I don't have a spare.
SFMCjohn
13
good to know! :thumbup
also heard that Key Kraft sold her inventory to ABC Lock on 18th St at Mission?
:dunno
anytwowilldo
Well-known member
+1, Rex Key is an old fashioned Locksmith with great service.
MLCOakland
Well-known member
Glenview Key & Lock in Oakland (Park Ave.) is another old school shop with hard-to-find blanks and knowledgeable and helpful people. Highly recommended!
sckego
doesn't like crashing
Note that many locksmith/key shops won't cut keys unless you purchase the blank from them. I usually walk in with my original and ask them to duplicate it. Then, if they say they don't carry that style of blank, I produce the one I had in my pocket and ask them to cut that one.