YOu may need to ask the locksmith to order the correct blank with a plastic head if that is what you desire.  In this case, the key would be a SUZ18-P.  Several other blanks will cross over, but I rarely recommend making a key work by modifying the shoulders.  Anyway, just let your locksmith do his/her thing.

Quote from: aplitzI rarely recommend making a key work by modifying the shoulders.

Why's that? We've cut keys for over 40 years and there's really no reason (that I can think of) as to why it's detrimental so maybe I'm missing something hehe. Sometimes the only difference between blanks is a slight difference in length or different shoulders. Of course, everything else could be alike but if the key is simply too thick it won't go in, either and in that case... I don't have the patience to modify the key that much.

I don't think bent keys would be hard to duplicate with a good locksmith.  One guy I went to, I handed him my car key, he looked at it, then handed it back to me.  Then he went over to his machine and cut me a duplicate, without physically using my key as a template.  Maybe one of the locksmiths here can tell us how he pulled off that magic trick.

Quote from: phire[  Why's that? We've cut keys for over 40 years and there's really no reason (that I can think of) as to why it's detrimental so maybe I'm missing something hehe.

If there is a blank that fits correctly, I don't believe in drastically modifying an incorrect blank just because is all I have.  I don't like to give my customers a key that has essentially been rigged to work.  In my opinion it is a compromised part.

As far as the locksmith cutting the key without using your original I am not sure what he did.  Possibly the key had the original code # stamped on it and he used a code machine to originate another one.  Or, it was a key type he was very familiar with, and knew the cuts by sight.  Really, I don't see any reason to do this, if there is a working key, but some guys like to challenge their skills to stay sharp.

or you could just save yourself the hassle and not loose your keys.  i found that to be a better answer to the problem.

Quote from: aplitz

Quote from: phire[  Why's that? We've cut keys for over 40 years and there's really no reason (that I can think of) as to why it's detrimental so maybe I'm missing something hehe.

If there is a blank that fits correctly, I don't believe in drastically modifying an incorrect blank just because is all I have.  I don't like to give my customers a key that has essentially been rigged to work.  In my opinion it is a compromised part.

It is compromised, however, I personally just don't see the problem if it works 100% as good as the original. Especially if it's a rare blank, you're saving the customer hassle by driving around to inexperienced locksmiths who only know a key by its # and having them get shot down until they give up and go to the dealer. Nine times out of ten, customers have praised me for "being the only one in town" who was able to cut a duplicate for their "rare lock." But you're right that there is a blank for every key in existance, but I don't think there are very many shops that stock every single key. Most good locksmiths carry the bulk of them and most carry pretty much the same inventory. At least around here they do.

But anyways, it's still rare that I ever have to cut a shoulder back or something even if I use the "wrong" blank. Half the time too customers bring in keys that are duplicates of the original and a lot of times too when you go to duplicate it, you can see that it wasn't the original blank which usually ends up being a common key.

BTW, I do commend you for wanting to do a proper job and I myself do send people down the street to other locksmiths that I know that most likely have the blank that I'm out of, but I also don't hesitate to modify a key if a customer is frustrated and has already been "everywhere else" in town.

Quote from: aplitzYOu may need to ask the locksmith to order the correct blank with a plastic head if that is what you desire.  In this case, the key would be a SUZ18-P.  Several other blanks will cross over, but I rarely recommend making a key work by modifying the shoulders.  Anyway, just let your locksmith do his/her thing.

Good news! I finally got the new key made at a local locksmith. It's been tested and works great. Paid little over $3 for it. It's just a metal key without the plastic head but heck, it works and that's all I need. The locksmith said that it helped though when I told him that the blank key I needed was SUZ 18-P. Thanks to you aplitz.

samhkang-

No problem, I'm glad that it worked out.  Make sure you always have a spare around its pricey to originate new ones if you lose you last one.

U@

Ouch, sorry to hear about your traumatic experience with the stealership. Under no circumstances should anyone ever charge over $5 to duplicate a standard key like the one for your Suzuki. Cost of the blank is 10 to 80 cents depending on the supplier and if anyone who cuts keys is paying more than that... Find another supplier. As far as filing the machine down............ I think he's just bsing you. I doubt with all the money that the stealerships have that they can't afford a decent set of jaws for their key machine or heck, a decent key machine period. Seriously, just go to your local locksmith of your choice, save yourself a few bucks and most of them will cut it while you watch. It's not a difficult process by any means.

Quote from: phireSeriously, just go to your local locksmith of your choice, save yourself a few bucks and most of them will cut it while you watch. It's not a difficult process by any means.

Yup! That's what I did. No plastic head though... A simple metal key, works great. It took them less than a minute to cut.

a dealer can cut keys either by the vin or by a code that is on your ignition. its not hard to find and they only charge about 8 bucks at my local dealer. may not be as cheap as the 3-5 dollar deals but a straight shot to the dealer makes for less gas, and lets face it these fuel prices that doesnt hurt.

Quote from: bargovicI lost my spare too.  Went to the dealer and he made me a new one for free in about 2 mins.  If you just bought your bike and you go back there for a key they shouldnt be charging you much or at all.

I guess i just have a nice dealer.

Quote from: bargovic

Quote from: bargovicI lost my spare too.  Went to the dealer and he made me a new one for free in about 2 mins.  If you just bought your bike and you go back there for a key they shouldnt be charging you much or at all.

I guess i just have a nice dealer.

Yeah, I'd have to agree. Just burns me to see people expect to pay $30-100 to have a key duplicated...

I hear people using phrases and perpetuating myth's so I feel that its my duty as a locksmith to help.

Duplicating a key involves taking your existing key and using it as a pattern to create a new one.  While this process requires a special machine that costs $1000+, we locksmiths have made that investment already and only charge ~$3 for a double cut key like for the GS.

Originating a key is necesecary when you have no key for us to use as a pattern.  In some cases, we can use the manufacturer's code to make a key.  If you have the code, we must then look it up in an expensive computer program, and use a different $1200+ machine to make the key.  This should cost ~$20.

If you don't have the code we have to disassemble the bike to a degree that we can find the code, or use other means to originate a key, such as removing and decoding the lock by hand.  Most manufacturers no longer link key code and VIN, and if they do, they most likely will not give this info to a locksmith.  

In this situation, prices can vary wildely from $120-400.  In fact, average pricing for locksmith services was just published, and originating moto keys was averaged at $350.

Keep in mind that you will pay more for service evenings, weekends and holidays, and more for us to come to you.  We are normal people who like to have time off, but if you want me to leave my family on Saturday night I will, but it costs more than it would Monday morning.

5

aplitz, if you ever need a new key machine at a good price and don't feel like paying over a grand for a brand new one, I usually have like-new or excellent condition machines pass my way for a couple hundred bucks. $3 is a very fair price for a double sided Suzuki key.

Thanks Phire.  I just got a new Silca and a HPC 1200 within the last year.  We will probably be getting a Switch Blitz for our new truck.  Tryin' to save space ya know.