Is Key Cutting A Lost Art? (1 Viewer)

[Beams37]

I'm not that old, but I remember the day you could walk into any hardware store in America and get a key cut. Apparently, this skill is now part of the dark arts, black magic, voodoo!

I recently bought a 1989 FJ62 that only had 2 keys. So, I needed some keys and decided to buy some OEM blanks. That was the easy part. I went on my local Ace Hardware, which I love, and they can only use the fancy key machine and can only use blanks from the fancy key machine system. Then today, I went to Toyota to pick up some brake drums and figured I'd get them cut there. Apparently, they only cut from VIN code and not from an actual key. Assuming (you know what happens when you assume ...) that the cylinders have never been changed, I let them cut the 2 blanks I had from the code. Guess what? They don't work.

So, now I'm going to order some more blanks, because I want the cool keys with the black plastic that says Toyota.

Does anyone know a person or company that practices the dark arts of key cutting in Raleigh? I need someone who can cut a key from a key, which seems simple, but obviously not.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 

[lt1fire]

Most locksmiths can I had two different ones cut ones for my celica alltrac

When I worked at home depot eons ago and someone brought their own blank in I'd just make them buy one of our blanks and show me the recipt. Since the price of the cut is built into the blank price, I'd just cut their blank after that.

 

[Beams37]

Sounds like I may need to find a real locksmith.

It just seems like this was something that any hardware store used to be able to do.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

My local ace still has an old school key cutting machine AFAIK. It's on 54 in south durham

 

[Beams37]

My local ace still has an old school key cutting machine AFAIK. It's on 54 in south durham

Thanks. If I can't find a locksmith closer to Raleigh, I may give them a shot.

 

[fourtrax]

marshalls locksmith on poole road

 

[SFROMAN]

I had zero success with the hardware store key cutting machine.
but I lost my keys to my Lexus lx450 and had a locksmith make me a pair of new keys and they work perfect. And the Lexus keys are harder to make due to the key style.
The hardware store couldn’t even copy/ cut a key for my mini truck which have very simple keys.

 

[rlong]

Yea, whenever I see an old school key cutting machine on Craigslist I am tempted to buy it. Cut keys in high school at hardware store. With the manual key machine you can adjust a how you clamp the original and the blank and correct for more worn out keys. Did a few old school mustangs and probably my own 62’ FJ40 I had back then.

 

[weejub]

I've had real good luck with my guy here in Pittsboro from Circle City Lock and Key. Never used for auto, but they seem to have a "where there is a will, there is a way" attitude, which I love - like repairing old door knobs that are better quality vs just swapping out to new crap, etc. They look to do Auto as well.

Locksmith | Chapel Hill, NC | Circle City Lock & Key

Circle City Lock & Key Locksmith serves Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro, Pittsboro, NC, and more! Call 919-932-5625 for re-keying, lockouts, and more.

www.circlecitylockandkey.com

 

[Beams37]

I've had real good luck with my guy here in Pittsboro from Circle City Lock and Key. Never used for auto, but they seem to have a "where there is a will, there is a way" attitude, which I love - like repairing old door knobs that are better quality vs just swapping out to new crap, etc. They look to do Auto as well.

Locksmith | Chapel Hill, NC | Circle City Lock & Key

Circle City Lock & Key Locksmith serves Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro, Pittsboro, NC, and more! Call 919-932-5625 for re-keying, lockouts, and more.

www.circlecitylockandkey.com

Thanks for the recommendation. That's not too far and probably worth the drive.

 

[Wanna Cruz]

I've had good luck having duplicate keys cut here. They have the old school machine

Locksmith Raleigh, NC | 40+ Years of Excellent Service

Locksmith Raleigh, NC: Looking for an experienced locksmith in Raleigh, NC? Busse's Locksmith can help you secure your home, business, or automobile. Call us today!

www.busseslocks.com

 

[Ghostrider I]

If you are willing to drive to Charlotte, hit up Blackhawk hardware. They did my diesel 80 without any problem. And these are the "laser cut" keys.

 

[Beams37]

If you are willing to drive to Charlotte, hit up Blackhawk hardware. They did my diesel 80 without any problem. And these are the "laser cut" keys.

I actually know where that is. I stay near there when I travel to Charlotte for work and have eaten nearby a few times. Will check it out either way. Thanks.

 

[Beams37]

I've had good luck having duplicate keys cut here. They have the old school machine

Locksmith Raleigh, NC | 40+ Years of Excellent Service

Locksmith Raleigh, NC: Looking for an experienced locksmith in Raleigh, NC? Busse's Locksmith can help you secure your home, business, or automobile. Call us today!

www.busseslocks.com

I saw them online. They were on my short list.

 

[fourtrax]

not sure about the 60 series but i ordered key blanks for my 80 from toyota in apex and when i went to pick then i showed them the registration and the cut them based on the vin # ( perfect fit)

 

[JohnVee]

I actually know where that is. I stay near there when I travel to Charlotte for work and have eaten nearby a few times. Will check it out either way. Thanks.

Lots of CLT guys live close to there. Reach out next time if you're looking for dinner company!

 

[Beams37]

Will do !!

 

[gasman4u]

Don Hill Locksmith in Durham may be another option if you haven't already got it figured out.

 

[Beams37]

Waiting on new key blanks. Will be asking a lot of questions before they cut them this time. Thanks for all the recommendations!

 

[weejub]

Thanks for the recommendation. That's not too far and probably worth the drive.

Sorry - they have guys in Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, too. I'm guessing any locksmith who actually went through an apprenticeship and is certified with the State (or whatever - its heavily regulated I guess) is going to be better than most key cutting places Good luck!!