Key cutting.....2nd time cut and still not working

Rony

Hi all,

I have just changed locks to my flat and I needed to cut extra pair of keys.

I went to Timpsons and thought that this would be a fairly simple process.

First time I had them cut and they did not work. They go in but do not turn. I just went again to get them to re-cut, got back now tested and they do not work again.

Now I have to go back again.

On the tag it says they get it right first time 99.6% of the time. 

Am I just really unlucky, am I going to have to keep going back until they get it right?

rob7475

They're usually quite good at Timpsons. What sort of key is it? If you put the original side next to the new one, does the shape match up OK?

Sandtree

Never had any issues with Timpson either, have taken one or two keys they've not been able to cut before (ones with side dimples) but they've spotted them straight away and said their kit cannot do it. 

If you've had new locks fitted you'd probably have gotten 2-3 keys with the lock... were both attempts made from the same original key? Obvious steps are to try one of the other original keys and/or another branch or company. Unless its one of the keys with side dimples its really not that complicated to make a replica and with all the ones done never had a problem, even when its been a copy of a copy of a copy.

greenface2

Rony . What type of lock is it . If it is a eurocylinder you can purchase one that's decent for a domestic house  on line or eurocell for around a tenner with 3 keys . Then you have full control who has your keys and not previous people who have lived there or fed their dog ect. 

theoretica

If you just changed the cylinder and can easily swap it back you could take the cylinder to Timpsons too and have them experience the problem.

victor2

theoretica said:

If you just changed the cylinder and can easily swap it back you could take the cylinder to Timpsons too and have them experience the problem.

^^This^^

Far and away the simplest solution.

ellie99

OP, I had exactly the same experience as you. 2 attempts to cut a very ordinary key, neither of which worked. And it was a 25 mile round trip each time. The only suggestion the assistant had was for me to take the lock off the door and bring it into the shop, while leaving someone sitting in my house so I wouldn't be burgled. I just got my money back. It wasn't the first time I've had problems with Timpsons and I wouldn't use them again.

Rony

Hi all,

So to answer some questions:

- It is a brand new lock (my old one had problems and so changed it), this new lock comes with 3 keys. I tested all 3 and they work. I gave one to the concierge, one is my main, and one back up. I needed one/two more to give to family members (the ones i am cutting)

- It's difficult to tell when I line the keys next to each other. Maybe ever so slightly different. They must be different enough to not wok though right

- Looking at the brand it is called "Smith and Locke"

- Luckily the Timpson is not too far from me so I can go back quite often, I just don't know how many times I need to go....

- RE removing the lock and taking it to them, that sounds like a good idea! I can see screws on the lock, I just unscrew and remove? I don't have anyone to man my flat, but I have a concierge and so its quite safe. I might just make a quick pop out.

- What is a dimple key? These are the keys I have (the bottom is the original, top is Timpson)



Thanks guys Ill give it a try

EDIT: So I just tried Unscrewing my lock and I got to this point and I am stuck:


I can't seem to push it out, do I need to push harder? I don't want to break it.

dickibobboy

Pop the handle back on, you can see the one single screw on the edge of the door that lines up with the actual lock - unscrew that then pull the lock from the inside on the thumb turn, you may have to twist it into a certain position for it to come free. 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

here's a wee VIDEO to help.

Belenus

Try somewhere other than that Timpsons.

I can see clear differences between the original and the copy in your photo.