candado3 wrote
As an example, I have an old YALE padlock #724 and in the catalogue #26 page 57 of the pdf it gives the #12 ½ as the list number for that padlock.
So, my question is how can I find a new replacement key blank for this lock if one exists?
This is a general question and refers to other lock makers also.
Thanks for any insight into this pursuit.
Yale changed the nomenclature for their key blanks some years ago. They have a series of blanks for their cylinder locks with .40″ dia. key plugs used mostly on cabinet locks and padlocks, but no longer extant although the blanks are still offered. Current lock production, like most manufacturers; have .51″ dia. plugs. The obsolete numbering system, which used fractions; denoted the length of the key expressed by the number of pins in the cylinder as:
3-pin = 19-½
4-pin = 10-½
5-pin = 13-½
6-pin = 12-½
The “new” designations for those same keys are as follows:
3-pin = RN19
4-pin = RN10
5-pin = RN13
6-pin = RN12
Thus the OEM Yale blank for your padlock should be RN12. BTW this is found on pg. 5 of Yale Catalog. No. 26 ©1929 and has an apparent error. The description says it is four-pin tumbler but uses No. 12-½ keys. As noted above, 4-pin = 10-½ while 12-½ denotes 6-pin.
Many professional locksmiths use an on-line key blank cross reference program from Blackhawk Products called KBX which lists over 85,000 blanks. If I enter 12-½ it will give me a hundred or more keys from various manufacturers which can substitute for the OEM Yale blank. Note that any of the longer blanks can be cut down to provide the shorter version, thus 12-½ could be made into 13-½, 10-½ or 19-½. For subscription info on KBX, which is $20/yr; go here:
http://www.lockcodes.com/
I guess it would be up to the discretion of Blackhawk if they would allow non security professionals access to the program. If you Google “key blank cross reference” (without the quote) you will find some free listings that might help.
Pete Schifferli
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