hashiru

Perhaps a dumb question...I picked up a key blank from our local dealer and was told "anyone" can cut it. Two stops and 3 phone calls later no one will cut a steel key? Is this common? Do any of the Nor Cal folks know of a location in Sacramento that will/can cut the key?

Thanks

ausgeflippt951

eh? Ace Hardware/True Value'll do anything.

And nearly every key out there is steel.

hashiru

Ace, OSH, local locksmkith all said all keys now brass and steel key will damage the cutting machine. Local locksmith said cuting a steel key requires a special machine??

testarossa_td

I got the same run around here in N.Texas
They say that it is because it runs the machine down faster.
This was after many many locksmiths, Home Depot, Lowes....I had the blank, all they had to do was cut it.

I found a place just around the corner from Zims to cut it for a couple of bucks...what a relief. I started to think it was like a quest for the holy grail!

They did it in like 5 minutes and I did not have to take the blank out of the lighted keyhead.

hashiru

Thanks testarossa...ayt least that gives me hope

josephsc

Weird... I've used three different local locksmiths and none have given me trouble.

jsaindc

I have been having a problem getting a key cut for my 90 S2. I went to the dealership that cut 1 for my 87 3 years ago and they do not do it anymore...they will send out to Porsche if I provide a registration. They told me the reason is that the keys are steel, hard to cut, and there is a small catch for the starter. Often when the key is cut this catch is off and it can cause the starter to either not engage or continue to engage. The thing I found interesting is that I had to replace the starter on my 87 about a month after I got a new key cut.

hashiru

As a concluding update for those in the Sac area: After over 10 locksmiths saying no, well one offered to do it for $100...and our local dealer saying duh...we don't know...I found a locksmith in the parking lot of pick and pull no less...$2 later...new key cut and perfect...

KuHL 951

If you ever need another one made the old Elk Grove Coast to Coast hardware (now Ace) will cut any key, steel or not. Use a VW blank, they are brass, and you won't have the steel key issue again plus they are easier on the pins in the ignition switch and doors.

5speed300

Ace just cut my ignition key a few months ago, they didnt have any problems and it works like a charm

ksucat90

I would call any local locksmith. I had 4 keys done for 15. The guy cut them the old fasion way, not with an automatic machine. Yea, you will pay more, but the service cannot be beat.

triscadek

Go to the hardware store don't tell them it's steel and they won't even notice, I've done this several times for my S, Kawasaki and my Pete.

Wal Mart will cut 'em too.

Funn944

Most keys are not STEEL. and the ones that are STEEL most locksmith places won't cut them. I have tried many places in Calif., Ohio, Kentucky. If you don't tell them it's STEEL and they start to cut it they might stop part way though and not finish it. That'll make it even harder for the next shop that will cut STEEL.....ask me how I know !

triscadek

I had one locksmith tell me that they wouldn't cut steel.

That's why I get 'em cut at a Westlake Ace or Wal Mart. The 16 y/o kid at the hardware store and the woman running the register at Wal Mart automotive counter wouldn't know steel from plutonium.

testarossa_td

I never told anyone they were steel....I did not know, until getting it from the first two. I have to admit, I thought all keys were. So when the first guy flaked out I went to another and they said the same, so I asked for an explanation....to which I got a schooling and still no recommendation. Then I called up my buddies at Zims and they said right next door....Viva la Zims! (sorry don't know the german version