Need new key

[thomas1142]

Does anyone know how/where I can get an ignition key made? The key I have does not have any numbers on it, seems to be a remake of an original. It is still a high security key.

[rbridges]

I remember people joking around that their keys worked in other planes.  I guess worst case you could get a locksmith to do it.  I don't know what yours looked like, but my ignition key was nothing special.  I actually had a copy made at Lowes.

[peevee]

our keys are access number 80 blanks. All ours are copies, no originals. The locks are so loose I don't think it's really picky about an accurate cut. I do it myself at home depot (easier than waiting for someone to help)

I've heard they only used about 5 patterns from the factory.

[thomas1142]

I tried both Lowes and Home Depot, and a key shop. None could do it. The key is cut at an angle instead of a straight cut. The key shop told me they can send the key away to a......for a recut.

[peevee]

5 minutes ago, thomas1142 said:

I tried both Lowes and Home Depot, and a key shop. None could do it. The key is cut at an angle instead of a straight cut. The key shop told me they can send the key away to a......for a recut.

don't know what to tell you, I have made probably 8 copies and every single one worked. Try an actual locksmith, if you can find one.

[Hank]

3 hours ago, thomas1142 said:

I tried both Lowes and Home Depot, and a key shop. None could do it. The key is cut at an angle instead of a straight cut. The key shop told me they can send the key away to a......for a recut.

Tell 'em it's not an angle cut, it's just worn from age and use . . .

[mccdeuce]

I replaced my rotary ignition switch with an actual switch panel from ElectroAir.  No more key.  No more AD.

These keys were never anything special and certainly only keep honest people from stealing your airplane.

Were you at a key shop or a locksmith?  I have taken apart many of locks and this ignition - there is nothing complicated on them and anyone who has a blank of your key should be able to make another.  Can you send a picture of what your key is?

[N201MKTurbo]

FYI

http://www.csobeech.com/files/Bendix_Ignition_Switch_Maintenance.pdf

 

[Marauder]

I tried both Lowes and Home Depot, and a key shop. None could do it. The key is cut at an angle instead of a straight cut. The key shop told me they can send the key away to a......for a recut.

Post a picture of it. It may be a Medeco key. I would see if a locksmith could make a duplicate. Not sure a key shop is the same as a real locksmith.

The Lowe's and Home Depot guys are not experts on keys and their key kiosk wasn't able to make some standard keys as well.


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[kortopates]

4 hours ago, thomas1142 said:

Does anyone know how/where I can get an ignition key made? The key I have does not have any numbers on it, seems to be a remake of an original. It is still a high security key.

The only high security keys I know of are Medeco keys. If its a Medeco key, you will need to go back to the original Medeco dealer that cut the original keys since they are controlled. Their should be a log book entry with the info you'll need to get them duplicated. Without an authorization card you can't just go to any Medeco dealer.  

Edited March 1, 2017 by kortopates

[PTK]

4 hours ago, thomas1142 said:

Does anyone know how/where I can get an ignition key made? The key I have does not have any numbers on it, seems to be a remake of an original. It is still a high security key.

You'll need to find the code somehow. Your local MSC should be able to help you get a key once you get the code. I had my MSC order me a key using the code the twice and on both occasions the keys did not work! A few years ago I called Mooney gave them the number and they had a key ordered for me. It worked. I don't know if they have changed vendors since then or they mixed up the codes but more recently using the same code two keys didn't work for me! 

[kortopates]

You'll need to find the code somehow. Your local MSC should be able to help you get a key once you get the code. I had my MSC order me a key using the code the twice and on both occasions the keys did not work! A few years ago I called Mooney gave them the number and they had a key ordered for me. It worked. I don't know if they have changed vendors since then or they mixed up the codes but more recently using the same code two keys didn't work for me! 

I assume your Medeco locks/keys were installed by the factory as original equipment? Some of us have installed them as an upgrade as well.


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[PTK]

Just now, kortopates said:

I assume your Medeco locks/keys were installed by the factory as original equipment? Some of us have installed them as an upgrade as well.


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Hi Paul.

Yes, they were oem.

[RobertGary1]

5 hours ago, thomas1142 said:

I tried both Lowes and Home Depot, and a key shop. None could do it. The key is cut at an angle instead of a straight cut. The key shop told me they can send the key away to a......for a recut.

Just need a real locksmith. Home Depot and  Lowes just have the automated systems 

-Robert

[thomas1142]

I was given a locksmiths name and told "if he can't make it, no one can". We will see.

[LANCECASPER]

4 hours ago, kortopates said:

The only high security keys I know of are Medeco keys. If its a Medeco key, you will need to go back to the original Medeco dealer that cut the original keys since they are controlled. Their should be a log book entry with the info you'll need to get them duplicated. Without an authorization card you can't just go to any Medeco dealer.  

Your year and model (N30FM) is a Medeco Key. Try this link to a Trade-A-Plane ad: http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Airframe+Parts&category_level2=Door+Parts&listing_id=991569&s-type=part

If that doesn't work, call Stacey Ellis at Mooney and he will tell you how to proceed.

[TheTurtle]

i used the key to a storage box that was on the key ring for a couple months until I met up with the PO and he told me the other key was for the ignition... 

[wpbarnar]

Contact a MSC.   I obtained a duplicate Medeco key through Don Maxwell.   Mooney is the registered owner of the key according to Medeco and will only release keys to them.    I spent a lot of time talking to locksmiths and eventually Medeco before contacting D Max.    I had a key from them in a few days.

A lot of locksmiths are capable of cutting the key,  the problem is obtaining the blank from Medeco.

Bill

 

[peevee]

19 hours ago, mccdeuce said:

I replaced my rotary ignition switch with an actual switch panel from ElectroAir.  No more key.  No more AD.

 

I like that idea. I might follow you.

 

did you use this one and just use the EI side for a mag?

http://www.electroair.net/switchPanel.html

[Marauder]

The more I read about these Medeco keys, the happier I am that I don't have one. Sounds like replacing a key to a lost chastity belt.

[mccdeuce]

8 hours ago, peevee said:

I like that idea. I might follow you.

 

did you use this one and just use the EI side for a mag?

http://www.electroair.net/switchPanel.html

I actually dropped in an EI system as well. But you can use their switch panel for two mags - just have to switch the one switch around.  

Be ready though for $5 worth of parts and $260 worth of STC. That said I would use this switch panel again.

[320KPH]

make sure the new key is NOT LONGER than the old one. i had one made that could open the door but was too long to allow the switch to work to turn the starter...

[thomas1142]

2 hours ago, mccdeuce said:

I actually dropped in an EI system as well. But you can use their switch panel for two mags - just have to switch the one switch around.  

Be ready though for $5 worth of parts and $260 worth of STC. That said I would use this switch panel again.

Do you use any other security mechanism?

[kortopates]

10 hours ago, Marauder said:

The more I read about these Medeco keys, the happier I am that I don't have one. Sounds like replacing a key to a lost chastity belt.

Actually its not a problem at all for any of us that wants to upgrade. You just need the authorization number or key code which of course you'll have if you installed them. Purchase a Mooney though that has them and if unfamiliar with them its going to be a learning process to figure it out at the least. I'd expect Mooney would give you the key code if asked to make this process easier to get them on your own and ownership is transferable but I have not heard from anyone that has asked the factory.  

[kortopates]

41 minutes ago, thomas1142 said:

Do you use any other security mechanism?

Are you asking in lieu of the removed Bendix ignition switch?

Toggle switches are all that is used on twins - they also don't have rotary ignition switches. Security is limited to the door locks. 

When security is a concern though we have prop locks and throttle locks. Both of which I use travelling south of the border when the plane is left on a unsecured strip. They just help ensure the less secured plane adjacent to me will get stolen before mine. But generally airplane thieves are not the slightest bit interested in Mooney's anyway.