One piece of equipment is considered to be a 'must have' for any locksmith or security professional . . . the key machine. Whether your primary business is providing duplicate house keys for customers, generating large master key systems, servicing vending machine customers or specializing in automotive work, you need an accurate key machine. In fact, you probably need several key machines.
To cut a full variety of today's keys, locksmiths need a mix of duplicators, code cutters, punches, tubular cutters and milling machines. There are major differences in these types of machines and their intended application will dictate their usefulness to your specific locksmith business.
Purchasing any key machine requires some research on your part. In addition to cost, determine the value the machine will bring to your business. By offering additional services to your customers, you can build more business. Determine what attachments and options are available for a given machine. The addition of a brush or work light can increase your productivity.
Do your homework before you buy your next key machine. The time and effort you spend is worth it considering that key machines are a long-term investment, usually offering a substantial return on that investment.
Following is a directory of the major key machine manufacturers in alphabetical order and the types of machines they produce.
A1 Security Manufacturing offers punch and tubular key machines in addition to other related locksmith tools and equipment.
Information: www.demanda1.com.
Barnes Distribution offers six key cutting machines: the BD Laser™, PC+®, 3100, 2200, 1100 Key Duplicators, and the Curtis No. 15 Code Cutter.
Information: www.BarnesDistribution.com.
Bianchi USA's products include the Bianchi 101 manual, Bianchi 102 and 104 semi-automatic and two versions of the Bianchi 303 and 304 high security duplicators.
Information: www.bianchi1770usa.com.
Framon offers nine different key machine models including duplicators, code machines, and machines for cutting tubular, flat steel and high security keys.
Information: www.framon.com.
HPC offers at least 15 different key machines, including five types of code cutters, six types of duplicators and three types of tubular machines.
Information: www.hpcworld.com.
Intralock Tools Limited offers three computerized code machines.
Information: www.intralocktools.com.
Jet Hardware has six different duplicators, all furnished with M2 steel high speed cutters for long accurate key duplicating life.
Information: www.jetkeys.com.
Kaba Ilco Corporation offers more than 36 key machines, with choices ranging from the simple to the extreme.
Information: www.kaba-ilco.com.
PRO-LOK rescued an old popular key machine from certain death. In about 1994, Pro-Lok bought the rights to and began reverse-engineering a machine that would become the Blue Punch.
Information: www.pro-lok.com.
Rytan Incorporated offers four duplicators and two punch code machines along with a variety of specialized locksmith tools and equipment.
Information: www.rytan.com.
