Help figuring out control key code
I came across them again and decided to see what I could do to find keys for them. I only recently heard of Control Keys, depth keys, shear lines, shimming, key codes, different key ways, so a complete noobie.
The locks all have the same stamping on the core, so I assume they are keyed alike.
I have determined they are C key way, and 6 pins. I do not know cut series; A2, A3, or A4. Guessing A2 from what I have read online.
I found a post here about shimming to control. After many hours (playing with it now and then) I finally have it shimmed to control. I used a paper clip through the bottom hole and metal from a security tag. I had no feel and when the shim move it was a surprise.
Since it is shimmed, how can I figure out the cut code? I do not have any depth keys or even a way to cut keys.
I am wondering if I took a small dowel of known length, that fit the bottom holes, measured each pin hole with the dowel in, measured the core top to bottom and determined how much dowel was in each hole, I would have the amount from the bottom pin to the bottom of the core. Next I could pull the shim, put a key blank in and determine the distance from the bottom of the key to the bottom of the core (I should have done this first) . Subtract this from my pin column bottom pin, to bottom of the core measurements, and have key cut measurements? Then these could be compared to a cut chart and a key code determined. Will this work?
If this will work, to order a key I put the cut numbers in order from tip to bow and order a BEST C key way with that cut?
I considered punching the pins out from the bottom, but fear they would fly all over and I would not know they order they came out. Any easy way to do this and not lose the pins or their order? The only experience I have with pins is redoing a Weiser lock with a rekey kit.
I am not sure how to determine an operating key. There is a disc on the back held on by two pins. So no access to the shear line with out removing this disc. Which I am not sure how, other than grinding off the tops to the pins.
I am not opposed to destroying the core to get the infromation to get keys for the remaining locks made.