It's usually lost car keys that I'm called to replace, and it's definitely the bread and butter of my business. But every once in a while, I'm tasked with something different. Even though modern car keys, such as these keys to a 2023 Chevy Traverse, seem much more complicated to make than "simpler" keys, the difference is that with car keys, I generally have a wealth of information at my fingertips. This includes details about which key to use, the space and depth information for the keys, and proven techniques that ensure successful results.
With this RV key, for example, I wasn't sure which blank to use, so the first step was to try the different key blanks I have until I found one that fit. Next, I tried scoping it and believed I saw 5 wafers in there, but after having no luck, I ended up picking the lock, which enabled me to disassemble it. Once I did that, I could see it actually had 6 wafers. Making the key was short work from there.
With vending machine and tubular keys in general, the process involves picking the lock but not disassembling it. Once it's picked, I'm able to decode the lock and cut a new key based on that. It's nice to do something a little different from time to time!
Last but not least, a little more of the ususaly stuff. GM (which includes Chevrolet, Cadillac, Saturn, Pontiac, Buick) had a pretty bad design for their keys affecting some of the model years 2007-2014 roughly. These keys tend to break much more easilly than they should! In this case it was a 2009 Impala that had a broken key. Drove to lockport where the car was in for servcie at a local mechanic's shop. First I needed to extract the broken piece from the door. After decoding the key, I cut a metal key first. Both to test my decoding, but it also helps with programming a new key for the car. Was happy to get the car going promptly so the customer was able to get his car back from the mechanic with only a short delay.
Untill next time, and if you need keys made in Buffalo or within driving distance for my mobile shop, get in touch!
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