HOW TO DUPLICATE KEYS
9
Proper key cutting techniques
Even though your 045 HD key machine is designed to
make key cutting fast, efficient and accurate, operator
skill is important. The actual mechanics of placing keys
within the vise jaws is simple to learn, but there are some
basics that must be followed. A properly adjusted key
machine used by someone who ignores good key cutting
techniques will NOT produce a good key. The way a per-
son clamps a key into the vise jaws is critical to the accu-
racy of the duplicated key.
Remember - the real purpose of a duplicate key is to
operate the lock for which it was intended. If customers
return keys, you should reexamine your cutting tech-
niques and adjustment of the machine.
Here are some important operating tips:
1. Vise jaws - clean them regularly so that no metal
chips lie under the keys.
It is essential that both
keys lie flat across the entire width of each vise
jaw. Neither key should be tilted.
2. Do NOT use pliers or other tools to tighten the vise
jaws. Firm hand pressure is sufficient.
3. Keep the carriage shaft free of metal chips. A thin film
of oil can be applied to it. The carriage should be free
to move without binding.
4. NEVER touch the shoulder of a key to the side of the
cutter guide. This will cause the shoulder of the key
blank to touch the side of the cutting wheel. When
this happens, some of the metal will be cut away from
the shoulder of the key blank. If the resulting dupli-
cated key is duplicated two, three, four times over, an
error will accumulate and cause a non-operating key.
Do not grind away the shoulder.
5. Don't run the cutter into the vise jaw; this will dull the
cutter, and reduce cutter efficiency.
6. Keep the cutter clean. Don't let any foreign objects or
instruments blunt it. This cutter is a precise cutting
tool and should be handled with care.
7. Lubrication requirements for your new “HD”
Performance Series key machine are minimized through
the use of sealed, permanently lubricated cutter spindle
bearings. The carriage shaft however, should be inspect-
ed on a routine basis, and wiped with a dry, clean cloth
to remove any chip buildup that occurs. After cleaning,
application of a dry film lubricant is recommended for
maximum service life; spray type lubricants that dry
completely once applied are fine. Depending on usage,
the machine’s 1/4 hp motor may require lubrication
once annually. Refer to the label on the motor for lubri-
cation details and recommended interval.
Test keys
A series of cut keys are supplied with your machine. These
keys were cut on your machine and represent the result of
our quality inspectors' work before approving your
machine for shipment. The keys are reproductions of fac-
tory dimensioned pattern keys and are accurate to .002" or
less. Save these keys and use them as standards to check
the accuracy of cuts in the keys you make. Duplicating a
key and then using a key micrometer or caliper to compare
the actual depth of the cuts on both the duplicate and the
pattern key will allow you to see if your machine is cutting
too deep or too shallow, thus indicating that an adjust-
ment of the cutter guide is necessary.
Unpacking
The 045 HD key machine is shipped completely assem-
bled except for the carriage handle. Upon unpacking the
machine, locate the carriage handle and thread it into
the carriage.
