Tried to be too clever ...

[Jethro_uk]

After discussion here, bought a thumbturn lock for our uPVC front door. Ordered Tuesday, delivered yesterday (sorry, B&Q).

Fitted in 1 minute.

Slight downside is we need 3 more keys cut ... however looking at the old unit clearly in a moment of brain fart[1], I wondered if it was possible to swap barrels - in which case no new keys needed.

Inspected the unit and noticed a circlip which looked like it held the barrel in. Quick prise and ... loads of springs and tumblers. Somehow I think new keys are simpler.

[1]Of course, thinking about it the whole concept was flawed from the start, as it's not just the barrel that needs changing, but the tumblers in the casing.

[newshound]

I believe that locksmiths in the trade have tricks (or perhaps tools) for getting them apart without this happening, so that they can make a key using the pins as the reference instead of a key.

[Andrew Gabriel]

I've had a locksmith transfer the tumblers between locks, to generate a set of different types of locks keyed alike. It was a very long time ago though.

[newshound]

Talking of keyed alike, lock specialists can readily supply such things for cabinet locks, etc (just replaced a pair on my car "top box"). Also I've used Screwfix "keyed alike" padlocks a couple of times, and they seem to be very well made and reliable, particularly for "unbranded" padlocks.

[D.M.Chapman]

Several times I've used a lock locksmith to make a set of locks keyed alike.

Last time (a year ago or so?) I went in with 5 locks. 3 he could do while I waited (to match the 1st) and the euro lock he had to order a special cylinder in as it was an unusual depth for a 5 pin lock.

He also cut me 2 more keys.

30 quid the lot, well worth paying (the eurolock barrel on it's own was 24 quid from screwfix, and would then need keying).

It's an amazing place - it looks like an explosion has happened. Everything is covered in pins and springs and random bits of metal :-) Fantastically chaotic looking place that seems to work incredibly well.

ACME locks and keys :-)

No connection, just a long term satisfied customer :)

Darren

[Huge]

aka "Pingfuckits".

[F Murtz]

They are called pingfuckits.

[Dave Liquorice]

Or in polite company wheredigoes.

[Bill]

Which ever name you use, they certainly work well. :-)

>

[The Medway Handyman]

My local bloke Blakes Security does similar. He has organiser cases full of tiny bits!

[Huge]

If you're in North London, these people seem pretty good. I produced the key to my M-I-L's Edwardian safe and without being told, he said "Old safe, right?" Then cut me a key for it.