Getting ignition key cut

[brian1042]

I have a Nanni engine and the associated instrument board and ignition key point. I want to get a spare ignition key cut. I have been three time to a local branch of a well-known chain of keycutting shops and each time the new key has failed. When I look closely I can see the mismatch with the original. Unfortunately we seem to have lost most of the local independents. There is one shop that I know, but he only does house-type keys (not car keys or boat keys).

 

Was I just unlucky and maybe will fare better at another branch of the same chain?

 

Are there boat keycutting specialists?

 

Thanks.

[churchward]

I have a Nanni engine and the associated instrument board and ignition key point. I want to get a spare ignition key cut. I have been three time to a local branch of a well-known chain of keycutting shops and each time the new key has failed. When I look closely I can see the mismatch with the original. Unfortunately we seem to have lost most of the local independents. There is one shop that I know, but he only does house-type keys (not car keys or boat keys).

 

Was I just unlucky and maybe will fare better at another branch of the same chain?

 

Are there boat keycutting specialists?

 

Thanks.

I have had similar trouble with keycutters. They seem to rely on the copy machines they use and do no checking of the result. I think many are not very skilled at setting the machine up either. In the end we used a local shop and it was OK but the new keys were a little stiff to use until I deburred them. One blank for the front doors (A yale type) was very difficult to get in the keyhole and I had to slim the whole blank down a little to get it to fit. Once I did that it was OK.

[bridge100]

Hi,,

 

If all else fails, you could try Keys Galore London NW1

020 7586 7941

 

If your key as a number on it is worth ringing them

Ive used them in the past for car/motorcycle/plant keys

 

Or try a local locksmith who may have suitable blanks

 

All the best

 

 

 

I have a Nanni engine and the associated instrument board and ignition key point. I want to get a spare ignition key cut. I have been three time to a local branch of a well-known chain of keycutting shops and each time the new key has failed. When I look closely I can see the mismatch with the original. Unfortunately we seem to have lost most of the local independents. There is one shop that I know, but he only does house-type keys (not car keys or boat keys).

 

Was I just unlucky and maybe will fare better at another branch of the same chain?

 

Are there boat keycutting specialists?

 

Thanks.

[brian1042]

I have had similar trouble with keycutters. They seem to rely on the copy machines they use and do no checking of the result. I think many are not very skilled at setting the machine up either. In the end we used a local shop and it was OK but the new keys were a little stiff to use until I deburred them. One blank for the front doors (A yale type) was very difficult to get in the keyhole and I had to slim the whole blank down a little to get it to fit. Once I did that it was OK.

 

Thanks for that. Not ideal, but good to know I am not alone. I have some little files and I may have a go at the latest copy. I can see some differences. I am a bit wary of getting the thing stuck, but suppose I cannot do worse that 'the professional' who made the ill-fitting copy. I wonder if a little oil might help, assuming I can get it about right.

[Canarrowboat TBD]

Hi

 

Different Engine (Beta Marine), but had varying success with Timpsons too

 

One chap, cut two regular (padlock) keys that simply didn't work, so had to get a refund. He couldn't do the boat key. I then went to a different shop of the same, and the guy was obviously much more knowledgeable. For the boat key, he spent some time looking up the correct template in his book, and then ordered it in. Got two copies made and it took 3 days to get the 'correct' template, which then worked fine

 

So you may be lucky if you persevere, unless there really is something unique about the key type ?

 

Kind Regards

Mark

[brian1042]

Hi

 

Different Engine (Beta Marine), but had varying success with Timpsons too

 

One chap, cut two regular (padlock) keys that simply didn't work, so had to get a refund. He couldn't do the boat key. I then went to a different shop of the same, and the guy was obviously much more knowledgeable. For the boat key, he spent some time looking up the correct template in his book, and then ordered it in. Got two copies made and it took 3 days to get the 'correct' template, which then worked fine

 

So you may be lucky if you persevere, unless there really is something unique about the key type ?

 

Kind Regards

Mark

 

Thank you. Very similar story (yes Timpsons). Before Christmas they promised to get the correct blank sent in (after two failed attempts). I went today and the guy had no recollection of this, but magically found 'the correct' blank, and of course it still did not work.

 

There is a guy in the market. I shall try him tomorrow.

 

I don't think the key is that special. I do not believe they tried that hard to make sure it was the right blank.

 

Hi,,

 

If all else fails, you could try Keys Galore London NW1

020 7586 7941

 

If your key as a number on it is worth ringing them

Ive used them in the past for car/motorcycle/plant keys

 

Or try a local locksmith who may have suitable blanks

 

All the best

 

Thank you. I shall try the market guy then will try your suggestions if that fails.

Edited January 28, 2013 by brian1042

[PaulJ]

Have you tried AR Peachment Website-always found them helpful but admit havent a clue if they would be any help with this.

[johnmck]

Would it be worth trying an agricultural impliment supplier/merchant? These are Kubota based engines and common to much small plant. May be easier for me as I live in a rural area with a Kubota dealers in the next village, but worth a try.

Edited January 28, 2013 by johnmck

[TNC]

Shirley, Nannis are like Betas and the ignition keys are all the same?

Peachment nanni key linky

[johnmck]

Or you could try these.

 

http://www.keykingsupplies.co.uk/beta-marine-ignition-key-1175-p.asp

 

[John Holden]

Timpsons are cobblers

[Capt Ahab]

Thanks for that. Not ideal, but good to know I am not alone. I have some little files and I may have a go at the latest copy. I can see some differences. I am a bit wary of getting the thing stuck, but suppose I cannot do worse that 'the professional' who made the ill-fitting copy. I wonder if a little oil might help, assuming I can get it about right.

I tried Timpsons with the same result. I am under the impression that the keys used by engine suppliers are "tractor" keys in that they are all the same. Certainly one Beta key works em all. I broke one in the lock, managed to extract the remains and beta sent me 2 spares for about £25 - they didnt need the barrel number.

If you get in touch with the engine supplier they can probably do the same. Poss not the cheapest option but certainly the easiest. Andy

[djheaton321]

Try Wharf House Narrowboats at Braunston, 01788 899041. A lot of these keys don't need to be cut, one size fits all. Provided you get the right key blank for the ignition it will work.I had the same problem as you and they helped me out.

[dor]

Vetus have the same kind of key as Beta, but there are several different patterns, identified by a number stamped on the key. Vetus have also stopped supplying keys!

 

I have had keys cut by a local locksmith, some worked some didn't. But I found that cutting back part of the shroud greatly improved the success rate. I think it stops the profile being followed all the way on the copying machine so that the last bit didn't get cut correctly.

[MartinC]

Have you tried AR Peachment Website-always found them helpful but admit havent a clue if they would be any help with this.

 

I got an extra key from Peachment after finding that nobody has the right blanks. I seem to remember that Peachment had a minimum order limit.

[trackman]

Many locks of this type will turn with a screwdriver or nail file like old car ignition locks!

 

If a real key is required here are a couple of comments:

 

If a copy key doesn't fit a few careful adjustments with a file may correct this. My late father in law was a locksmith and often did this for me when I was daft enough not to get him to cut a spare key in the first place.

 

He also taught me never to oil a lock as it attracts dust & dirt that ruins them. Graphite powder is the right stuff, and is easily made from a pencil lead! Just scrape the side of the graphite lead with a sharp knife and collect the dust.

[MtB]

Ignition keys for modern marinised engines are often available as a spare part from the marinising firm. I got a difficult one direct from Beta in the end.

 

Have you asked Nanni?

 

MtB

[brian1042]

Thank you to all who have replied. There are lots of useful tips in there.

 

Timpsons failed three times.

 

I tried some small files, with the result that I could actually get the key in the barrel, but it would not turn. My close-up eyesight is not as good as it was.

 

The market chap does not do car keys (it was assumed on looking that mine was a car key).

 

In the end I found a place called 'The Gloucester Cobbler'. He had the correct blank and the whole thing was done in two minutes for £6.50. It fits perfectly. I have no connection with the firm other than being a very satisfied customer.

 

BTW, the picture of the Nanni key on the Peachment site certainly looks very like mine!

 

Another BTW. Years ago I had a Mark 1 Ford Escort. I foolishly locked myself out of the car. A guy who also had a Ford Escort told me not to worry. He got his car key, twiddled it in my car's door lock, and Bingo!

 

Thanks again.

Edited January 29, 2013 by brian1042

[Rojo]

Timpsons are cobblers

[ditchcrawler]

Shirley, Nannis are like Betas and the ignition keys are all the same?

Peachment nanni key linky

And its free delivery

[Giggetty]

And its free delivery

My sole ignition key (boat just bought) broke off in the lock. To replace the lock would have meant a new instrument panel, wiring harness etc. So I extracted the stock with a jeweller's hook and took it to Global Security, Amblecote. They identified the key as non-standard, probably of italian manufacture. They were able to make copies after sending away for blanks, delay about one week.

Edited February 6, 2013 by Giggetty

[David Schweizer]

I have always found that High Street key cutters are careless and expensive. We have two traditional family owned cobbler/key cutting shops in the area who have been there for generations (literally), and are always cheaper and reliable. Neither is on the High Street, but in ramshackle premises round the back of town, I would have thought you should be able to find one in Stourbridge or one of the other towns around there.

Edited February 6, 2013 by David Schweizer