Day after Thanksgiving I decided to get two new keys made for my 65 f250. I was at True Value hardware store, and I was surprised that they had the proper blanks. Paid for my keys and some misc stuff, and went out to the truck.

Keys worked find in the doors. Moving on to the ignition, the first key turned to left, but wouldn't turn right. Trying the second of the new keys, same result....left but no right.

I took one of the new keys, and with it in the ignition, I jiggled, wiggled, and finally used some force to turn key to the right. I felt it turn, but then realized I was just twisting the key itself. I removed the twisted new key, and inserted my old key, cause I had to get home.

Now my old key didn't want to work either!!!!! After about 5 minutes I finally coaxed my old key to turn right and start the truck. That would be the last time that the old key and cylinder would work. I got home, parked the truck. Next day, I spent about 20 minutes trying to make ANY key work. But no go.

So I jumped on this site, read about 50 posts, marched outside with my old key and a paperclip, and in about 60 seconds had the old cylinder in my hand (thankfully my old key would turn left). I had my buddy drive me over to NAPA, which is right around the corner, and as my buddy watched wide-eyed..the napa guy gave me a new cylinder and new key for my 42 year old truck!!!

I was very thankful on that day after thanksgiving. Thankful for this site(and it's sponsors), and thankful for all the members/contributors.

It's been a great 4 months now with my slick.

e

 

Freshly cut keys may not want to work in old worn lock cylinders.

Old trick: Rub the edges of the keys on a piece of wood to knock off any minute burrs. This will also dull down the sharp edges of the keys a little bit.

 

df, I am glad that you found the information here that you needed.

In the future, when you pay for new keys and one doesn't work like it is supposed to take back to the person that made it for you. Usually they will work on it until you are satisfied.

After having said that, a new key and switch always works better.

John

 

Who saids your can't get a good deal on Black Friday. lol
As Dfwrider; mention what an excellent site we are bless to have here. I wish i could of seen the expression on his buddies face with him getting a new set of key's & cylinder for his Slick..

Mitch

 

One other thing to look at before ya let the key grinder go is make sure the key matches the old one and make sure the grinder put the new key in the brush thing to help with the burrs...And I definately agree with ND on knocking the edges down a bit...kind of aging the key I guess...kinda like cheese and wine...gets better with age...like our trucks


- cs65