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Long shot, but you never know.
Old keys to 3 different padlocks at work. No-one has any idea where they were bought and I can't see any manufacturers name on the locks of the keys.
Been to Timpson's along with another local key cutting places who have said they can only be had from the manufacturer.
Any other ideas bar "buy a new padlock"? It seems there is the only 1 key left for each lock, the rest have already been lost and we're very conscious that if these go missing we're stuffed.
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Tried the little hardware shop in Wollaston? Just down from Boots
Are the padlocks any good? I'm thinking that if they aren't branded then they probably are cheap ones. It'll probably be cheaper to get new locks than get those keys copied. You can get them keyed alike so all the locks use the same key if that helps
I bet they can be copied, the two shops you went to just don't have the correct blanks. They are a fairly common style so I think there will be more than one manufacturer using them.
Tried the little hardware shop in Wollaston? Just down from Boots
That's the kind of niche, local knowledge I need. No I haven't, will speak to them tomorrow.
It’ll probably be cheaper to get new locks than get those keys copied
This is a very fair point.
I'm guessing those are high security keys. The way they are cut is what's known as 'Tibbe' - they have a series of beveled segments at different angles, and depending on the angle of each segment you can work out the code number for that segment, then string them together to make the code for the whole key. Ford car keys work the same way - if you Google 'Ford tibbe code' you might find it explained better than I did. New keys are likely to be cheaper than new padlocks of the same quality. You need a proper locksmith, not a key cutting shop.
Tried Global in Audnam? Tucked off the A491 opposite kiddy carpets. They've done some obscure keys for me over the years.
They look very similar to the keys that Aldi's motorcycle padlocks use
I got spares cut for mine at my local locksmiths.
For your googling purposes, those are keys for disc detainer locks.
... and if you do decide to throw them out, can I have them please? They're fun to pick (or at least they were until I snapped off the end of my picking tool).
It is may be worth a call to a car unlocking service. They have a black box (van) of magic to reprogram various keys.
Local quality locksmith of course an option.
I'd be tempted just to get new locks. Even 3 top of the range locks will probably be similar cost and far less faff than sorting keys.
Try these people, we have used them a couple of times, they really know their stuff and they turn things round very quickly, I had my spares the day after I placed my order.
https://www.replacementkeys.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwIWJmJLM6gIVjLHtCh3UXQWfEAAYASAAEgIy_fD_BwE
I’m guessing those are high security keys. The way they are cut is what’s known as ‘Tibbe’
Your description of Tibbe keys is correct, but that's not what these are.
I'm not sure as I'd go as far as to call Tibbe keys "high security" either. They're usually pretty easy to profile - ie, you can 'read' the lock to work out the code to get new keys cut when you don't have an original at all.
Fun fact: Tibbe locks are unidirectional, so you (technically...) need the correct key to unlock them, but you can lock them back up with any Tibbe key. Totally no risk of getting your keys locked in the car there, then.
Thanks, Cougar. Am I right in thinking that Tibbe locks are form of unidirectional disc detainer lock? I could see they had the bevelled notches that Tibbe have, and I know Tibbe locks have discs, but wasn't aware of the wider picture.
Ah I’d forgot about Global. +1 for them too
Global are indeed very good, Alans of Netherton maybe another option? (key cutter hidden in the back)
… and if you do decide to throw them out, can I have them please? They’re fun to pick (or at least they were until I snapped off the end of my picking tool).
You need the magic one LPL and BosnianBill made 😉
Went to Global and they sorted them. Much less than 3 new locks as well.
Good place to know, got a feeling they may be useful.
Except that an ex employee has an original key for all three!
Except that an ex employee has an original key for all three!
For various boring reasons that is very unlikely. The spares will be at work somewhere, likely in someones drawer or similar. We'll find them now I've had some new ones cut.
z1ppy
Global are indeed very good, Alans of Netherton maybe another option? (key cutter hidden in the back)
If you can find it! That place is a (wonderful) maze.
Am I right in thinking that Tibbe locks are form of unidirectional disc detainer lock?
Eh, kinda. They both use internal rotating wafers but the Tibbe is cut internally to match the key whereas disc detainers rely on the key turning the discs to specific positions. It's kinda tricky to describe, I'll see if I can find a video or something.
You need the magic one LPL and BosnianBill made 😉
I wish, their first run sold out practically instantaneously. It's a thing of beauty though.
Ah, here you go. Everything you ever wanted to know about Tibbe locks but were afraid to ask.
https://www.ukbumpkeys.com/blogs/news/75745540-ford-tibbe-lock-pick-and-decoder-how-it-works
My description wasn't quite right it seems, but not a million miles off.