Quick and Easy Barrel Key

[GWiens2001]

Wanted to make keys for a couple recent additions to my lock collection.

USPS Padlock Key 1.jpg

But I didn't have any blanks that were even close.

Blanks? We ain't got no blanks. We don't need no blanks. I don't have to show you any stinkin' blanks.

Think pictures will tell how this is done sufficiently without too much writing.

USPS Padlock Key 2.jpg

USPS Padlock Key 3.jpg

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That'll have to do for now until I can get some blanks.

Mark for your throat cut.

USPS Padlock Key 14.jpg

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Make the throat cut

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Have to cut this off, since can only upload 20 pics at a time. Will continue in a couple minutes.

Gordon

[GWiens2001]

Hey, ready to impression.

USPS Padlock Key 20.jpg

You can see where the marks are.

USPS Padlock Key 21.jpg

From this point on, the key bitting will be pixelated (thanks to Squelchtone). Am uneasy about posting pics of post office locks, even if this one is not restricted like the Arrow lock is.

USPS Padlock Key 22.jpg

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And the second lock, too.

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Gordon

[MBI]

Excellent work Gordon.

Thanks for uploading the tutorial and the pics.

Amazing how much can be done with basic, improvised materials, and some ingenuity.

[macgng]

another thing you should make for these locks is a thin metal stick with a loop on the end. this is for re-locking the lock. it is a pain to lock these locks again.

or you can use a miscut key and just shave it down so its like this: ____0 ... works great

[Oldfast]

Brilliant!!

[Papa Gleb]

Gordons work is half the reason I visit this site. Thanks buddy, so simply and genius, love it!

[tpark]

I like this solution! I'm sure you are Macgyver in real life.

[GWiens2001]

I like this solution! I'm sure you are Macgyver in real life.

Back in the mid 1980's when that show came out, within a month, over half the people I know started calling me MacGyver. Only difference was... my fixes would work in real life.

Gordon

[escher7]

Ingenious use of materials (to be filed away in my mind cabinet). Copper is pretty soft, however one of the few ways to harden it is work hardening, which you have done by stretching and compressing it! Brass tubing (hobby shop) might be a little more durable and keeping a few diameters around would enable using this technique as a quick fix.