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My 968 Cab came with a single ignition key, making me nervous every time I opened the trunk for fear I would lock the key in the trunk (and the button under the dash only works when the ignition is in accessory mode). So I bought some OEM blanks thinking I could have someone cut them. Neither the local locksmith (Claiming they could not cut "steel" keys, nor the Porsche dealer (claiming they could order new ones for my car) would cut them.
So for a $10 risk - I decided to see try my hand at using my rotary tool.
I removed the original from the key fob.
Used some paper binder clips to hold each end of the the key stable against the blank.
Etched the pattern from the original with a sharp awl and also outlined with a Sharpie.
Put the blank in a vice and got real close with a face shield and a headlamp on and gently ground it down to match the etching, repeatedly checking against the original.
Took all of 15 minutes for the first one and it worked on the first try - in doors/trunk/ignition.
Wow, I ran into same problem with locksmiths and the older steel key, but never thought of this solution. Think I just discovered my next "rainy day" project. Thanks!
I keep reading that a VW non steal key is the same style and can be cut at homedepot or Lowes. I'm going to try that next week. I only have 1 original key
My 968 Cab came with a single ignition key, making me nervous every time I opened the trunk for fear I would lock the key in the trunk (and the button under the dash only works when the ignition is in accessory mode). So I bought some OEM blanks thinking I could have someone cut them. Neither the local locksmith (Claiming they could not cut "steel" keys, nor the Porsche dealer (claiming they could order new ones for my car) would cut them.
So for a $10 risk - I decided to see try my hand at using my rotary tool.
I removed the original from the key fob.
Used some paper binder clips to hold each end of the the key stable against the blank.
Etched the pattern from the original with a sharp awl and also outlined with a Sharpie.
Put the blank in a vice and got real close with a face shield and a headlamp on and gently ground it down to match the etching, repeatedly checking against the original.
Took all of 15 minutes for the first one and it worked on the first try - in doors/trunk/ignition.
It was a very easy, low-cost solution.
Sometimes you win.
Congrats! You just created a new business for yourself.
Well, I'm not interested in grinding keys by hand for (within reason) any amount of money - it was exhilarating to get it to work when I could not find a reasonable alternative. It also makes me think the lock mechanisms are not as precise as I originally thought, but I already have the 968 subculture to play in and don't have time to engage in another forum/subculture like lockpicking (which a quick google search showed me quite a bit).
Speaking of lock picking, I might be being overly paranoid on your behalf but I'd consider editing that photo ... it's detailed enough that someone else could make themselves a key and drive away in your car ...
Hal - based on how easy it was for me to replicate my own key - I'd also presume someone could hotwire the car as easily as they could make their own key from my picture. In either case - kudos to someone who puts forth that much effort.
11-24-2022, 08:20 PM
Homemade Ignition Key
