So I dig through my old Porsche stuff and find my last uncut OEM key blank. This is the factory non-lighted key blank and much nicer than the crappy plated brass VW keys everyone sells. Anyway, I take it to two locksmiths and they both tell me the won't cut a "steel" key blank, only the plated brass stuff. I recall having these cut just about anywhere before. This can't require going to the P car dealer. No way!
Anyone have info on this stuff? Thanks.
there are a few places that will do it (generally any bonded locksmith)- the problem is availability of the blank - most of those places don't have it - i've seen key blanks on ebay all the time though
I was told by local dealer that they could do it but didn't often becuase their machine wasn't very good and to find a locksmith that had a machine that did "steel" keys. Most of the time the dealer orders keys according to VIN.
I purchased nice blanks with the lighted crest head and had them cut from the only key I had from the purchase of the car. Worked perfectly - 3 bucks each for the service. Can't imagine a reputable locksmith not cutting ANY key. Good Luck!
- Darryl
I can't imagine WallyWorld knowing a difference. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/tongue.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
I just had this exact problem last week. I took two steel non-lighted OEM blanks to a large locksmith business down the street and ended up having to leave with two crappy brass keys and my OEMs still sealed in their bag. The manager said cutting one steel key is the equivalent of cutting 1000 brass keys so they only do "in-house" brass blanks.
Next I had to go to Home Depot for some stuff, figured what the heck, and ask them if they would do it. After about 5 mins of arguing that this was just a standard key and didnt have a chip in it or anything fancy like that I decided I was just wasting my time. Ironically, Home Depot told me I should just go to the locksmith I had just come from, heh.
My next plan of attack is going to be just calling everywhere and anywhere until I find a place to do them. The brass keys do work fine though, so I retired my only original and am in no real rush to get the OEM blanks done.
Glau
i have one here that will do it - drop me a line
[quote name='flash' date='Nov 8 2005, 07:27 AM']i have one here that will do it - drop me a line
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Interesting info. I swear Home Depot cut my last OEM steel key without a second thought. In fact I was gonna take my blank there but figured I'd find a real locksmith to cut such a hard to find blank. I guess I'll call some local places and see what I can find. Of course the brass key I had cut yesteday works like crap and has me worried that brass shavings are going to clog up the nice lock cylilnders in my low mileage coupe. I have a few original keys but one is getting worn and I was just trying to think ahead.
Thanks for all the info.
if you get into a jam, let me know - it would be a pretty simple thing to get it handled here
I'll make some calls today. If nothing hits, I'll send you a PM. Thanks for the help.
no worries - all comes free with the price of admission
I have a blank key on order as we speak so I may have some Arizona input in a few days.
Tom
Okay...I called 9 local locksmiths and not one of them can cut a steel key. They told me that the cutter for the brass keys will be cooked if they cut just one steel key. The nicer guys (most of them were pretty rude) told me that a brass key is better for the lock pins. They claim that the slider ramps are brass and that the steel key will wear these out faster than a brass key. I heard this from two guys and they were pretty convincing. I seem to recall the pins being anodized aluminum, but I think there was some brass in there too.
So...at the point I'm not so concerned about it. If I come across someone that can cut it, great, but I'm not in a big hurry to do it.
I guess small town USA does have some benefits. No problem here.
Our local Porsche dealer has a locksmith come by their shop once a week to cut keys. He has cut numerous steel keys for me for both of my cars. He even carries the blanks for the lighted head keys. I bought a couple of the non lighted blanks from Paragon and he cut those for me for free. For once it actually paid off by calling the dealer.
[quote name='Spieln968' date='Nov 10 2005, 12:59 AM']Our local Porsche dealer has a locksmith come by their shop once a week to cut keys. He has cut numerous steel keys for me for both of my cars. He even carries the blanks for the lighted head keys. I bought a couple of the non lighted blanks from Paragon and he cut those for me for free. For once it actually paid off by calling the dealer.[/quote]
Plaza Motors, Parktown, or another out in St. Charles (I am in St. Louis)? Do you know the name of the locksmith? We should get together sometime Speiln, would be fun to checkout your coupe and s2. Anyway, thanks for the info Spieln and thanks Flash for the offer to help with the keys.
Glau
[quote name='Glau' date='Nov 10 2005, 02:14 PM']Plaza Motors, Parktown, or another out in St. Charles (I am in St. Louis)? Do you know the name of the locksmith? We should get together sometime Speiln, would be fun to checkout your coupe and s2. Anyway, thanks for the info Spieln and thanks Flash for the offer to help with the keys.
Glau
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Glau,
Plaza Motors. If you call the service department they will tell you his name and when he is there. I have the name somewhere but have not been able to locate it yet. I will be at the STLPCA getting together at Satchmo's tonight if you are interested Another PCA member who has a red 968 coupe will be there too. The get together starts at 7:00. Just ask for Tim if you decide to come.
I went through this last year when I acquired my car. I have a friend who is a locksmith and he said the same thing. There are special machines needed to cut steel keys and most locksmiths don't have them. I still have the new lighted head blank I bought and just installed the key part from the old key into the new lighted head. My spares are the ugly VW brass blanks. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/mad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
Perbal