I just got some keys cut for my new dwelling and it seems that they've upgraded their technology recently so that a Yale type key can be cut in an instant with no human intervention. Therefore, are we now not approaching the happy day where we can have a 24 hour key cutting machine - just pop your original in and press 1 (why on earth would you want more than one copy?) insert £3 and hey presto, a fresh shiny key pops out together with your original.
-- neilp, Jan 07 2004

keyless door lock http://www.keylessentrylocks.com/
[theircompetitor, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

my keyless car http://www.infiniti...sctid-12001,00.html
[theircompetitor, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

You can have your keys embossed with the words "DO NOT COPY," or somesuch. It is illegal for a key cutter to copy these keys. This would have to have a way to take this into account.
-- Detly, Jan 07 2004


the machine has a little scanner to read stuff like that on keys, and the thought-police version comes complete with camera and hotline to take photos of anyone trying such an underhand trick.
-- neilp, Jan 07 2004


self service cobblers would be good too.
-- po, Jan 07 2004


Mmmm, self service apple cobbler.
-- FarmerJohn, Jan 07 2004


Considering all the holes that keys have worne into my pockets I hope they soon go away completely and are replaced by RFID tags. Program the house to your tag, program the car to your tag, one tag fits all. In short, I hope your idea will soon be obsolete. Nice idea though.
-- kbecker, Jan 07 2004


kbecker: why not a digital (or at least code based) lock for the doors -- I've had this for near 10 years, and many new cars have keyless ignitions.
-- theircompetitor, Jan 07 2004


Though we all fantasize about an RFID-laden future, this is great now. My only question is where these kiosks would be located, but that's no issue with the invention itself. (+)
-- motive power, Jan 07 2004


[tc] I tried a keypad, but was not happy with it. It takes too much brain and sometimes too long to get in. I rather rub my bottom against a reader when I have my hands full. At work that works just fine. Some kind of code based alternative with keypad and manual entry would still be necessary because I could loose the tag or I may have to ask a neighbor to check on the house.
-- kbecker, Jan 08 2004


kbecker-- the link is a very good product, 5 digit codes very easy to use
-- theircompetitor, Jan 08 2004


Baked at Fred Meyer in Oregon. You choose your blank, insert your key and push a button. Pay at the checkstand on the way out.
-- Klaatu, Jan 08 2004


putting "DO NOT COPY" on keys has fallen out of favor to controlling the blanks.
-- johnmeacham, Jan 08 2004


Some jobs are great because they encourage human interaction. The three minutes spent waiting for your key can be spent chatting with the cutter. Cobbling, having paint mixed, making up a sandwich, shoe shine and having a pint of guinness poured are great examples of moments of opportunity to enrich your life with the thoughts of a complete stranger. I think it would be a shame to lose this through automation.

Sadly, a few key cutters, shoe shiners and sandwich makers are miserable bastards. These people, along with spotty teenage paint mixers, should be put in [tobi]'s duck squeezer toute suite, and replaced by your invention immediately.
-- Fishrat, Jan 09 2004



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