PART 3 An ancient trade (with therefore its share of myths and misconceptions) is that of locksmithing. No! -- locksmiths do not have a master key that opens every lock in the world. Some people actually think we do! I know because on more than one occasion they've asked to "borrow" it! But there is some locksmith magic that can make lockouts almost as easy as walking through walls (something else we don't do). KEY FACT No. 3 -- Keys by code     I've already explained how the combination of pin tumblers within the lock are aligned by inserting the proper key with correct cuts to allow the cylinder plug to be turned (see Key Facts part 1.) Making copies of that key is a simple matter of cutting those same depths into another key blank of the same kind. Well, what if you don't have that original key? All is not lost. Some keys can be generated by code number. Which begs the question: what is this code number and where do I get it?     Some codes are actually stamped right on the original key and are direct read. A number one in the first place is a number one depth cut at the first place space on the key blank. More often than not, though, the code is an arbitrary set of numbers and/or letters, which must be interpolated into the proper cuts and spaces by the use of codebooks or computer database. The locksmith can then, with the use of special code-cutting key machines, generate a new original key for that code.     Of course this assumes you will have kept a record of that key code. Not always the case. In their infinite wisdom some lock manufacturers have stamped the code on the face of the lock. This is often true of file cabinets, desk locks, some padlocks, luggage locks and many other small utility locks. So if you lock your keys inside the file cabinet you might see if there's a code number on the lock and give us a call.     Car manufacturers for many years would stamp the key codes in hidden places, very often on the side of the lock. The lock could be removed from the car, the code read and a key made that way. This is not so commonly done now. More often the keys come with a code tag attached and the owner's manual tells you to keep it in a safe place. Car dealers usually keep a record of the codes for the cars they sell and if you were the original purchaser of the vehicle they may give it to you over the phone. Car rental companies do this all the time for customers who lock their keys in the car.     Finally, let me say, code work is not an exact science. Sometimes it can save you a lot of money and save the locksmith a lot of work. Keys can still be made for locks without keys -- but time is money, and sometimes it's cheaper to just replace the lock.     Look at your keys and see if there's a code number. Write it down. I always keep a spare key for my car in my wallet. But failing that, I know at home I've got that number written down. Just in case. Yours for better Locksmithing, Skip the Locksmith, Cole Fox Hardware®, 415/777-4400 See more Hardware Hotline Key Facts articles: part 1   Combination Changes part 2   Types of Locks part 3   Keys by Code part 4   Auxiliary Locks part 5   Easy Door Lock part 6   Odds & Ends Skip, our in-house locksmith at Cole Fox Hardware®, comes to us with over twenty years experience in the trade. Originally from New York City, he came to San Francisco in 1969. He has worked as a locksmith since 1975, for most of that time at the Key Factory, a shop (now closed) servicing primarily the Sunset, Richmond and Marina districts of San Francisco. We are pleased to have him as one of our staff. - Hardware Hotline  August, 2000