Getting door / ignition keys duplicated

[Jamie]

Search turned up nothing. I can't be the first...

 

I'd like to get copies made of the door and ignition keys. Can a locksmith do this, or do these use a special key blank?

 

 

[kortopates]

If just the standard Chicago lock on doors that Mooney installed and bendix type ignition lock, sure you can get them duplicated anywhere. Nothing special about them. But if you have a secure lock, like the Medeco lock i use, then the registered owner of the keys will have to go back to the locksmith that made them and create you some more. 

[Openwheeler3]

I had my keys copied at Walmart. Took 5 minutes.

[laytonl]

Home Depot, Lowes, etc can do the stock keys.  Nothing special about the keys.  Lee

[N601RX]

Spruce sells key blanks for their locks and ignitions if your local hardware store doesn't have them.

[Marauder]

Home Depot, Lowes, etc can do the stock keys.  Nothing special about the keys.  Lee

That is so true because I know my key works on a couple of Mooneys at my airport.

[Jamie]

Awesome. Thanks.

 

Has anyone ever done a FAQ for this site? Any interest in one? I'd be happy to compile it if there was some place to post it and interest in having it.

[AmigOne]

I think that a FAQ forum would prevent a lot of repetitive FAQ.  Great idea. 

[Oscar Avalle]

Awesome. Thanks.

 

Has anyone ever done a FAQ for this site? Any interest in one? I'd be happy to compile it if there was some place to post it and interest in having it.

great idea

[Z W]

A good locksmith can probably make you a single key that works on both the doors and the ignition.  A small thing but very handy.

[co2bruce]

If you have a newer Mooney its a Medeco key for the ignition, and I was told I had to get it from Mooney through their locksmith. $$$

[duke]

if you have the medeco lock the easiest way is to get it from mooney--expensive though. my key was only $25, but in canada by the time brokerage, shipping etc etc it was a 75 or 80 dollar key. If you can find a medeco dealer (locksmith) they may be able to make you one if you have the old key. I just finished jumping through all the hoops.

[RJBrown]

Just had 2 sets made up last week at the local locksmith. Key blank is a Y11. I keep the original keys at home. Their only use is to make new keys. That way I don't wear them out and always have a good first generation key to copy. There is a 3 digit number on the original keys and locks. With the proper information and equipment a locksmith can code cut a key. Code cut $25.00 per key. Copy $2.65 each.

[DaV8or]

A good locksmith can probably make you a single key that works on both the doors and the ignition.  A small thing but very handy.

 

I tried this. I can't remember what the issue was, but the door/baggage cylinder is different enough from the ignition, at least on the vintage planes, that you need two keys. The locks on our doors and baggage doors are the exact same units used on filing cabinets and desk drawers. Nothing fancy, rare or Mooney specific. The keys can be made anywhere.

[Marauder]

A good locksmith can probably make you a single key that works on both the doors and the ignition. A small thing but very handy. I tried this. I can't remember what the issue was, but the door/baggage cylinder is different enough from the ignition, at least on the vintage planes, that you need two keys. The locks on our doors and baggage doors are the exact same units used on filing cabinets and desk drawers. Nothing fancy, rare or Mooney specific. The keys can be made anywhere.

On my 75F, the doors and ignition are different.

[scottfromiowa]

What is everybody's "way" of storing/using keys?  Making replacements is cheap and easy.  Any place has my ignition, door and baggage keys.  I keep a set with my hanger door key in my car at all times in case I decide to go to the airport and want to access the plane.  I keep another full set attached to my flight bag.  I keep the set attached to my bag and TAKE the set that stays in my car with me whenever I fly so I have two sets of keys.  Finally I have JUST an ignition key with a ring that I also attach to my flight bag.  This single key is used to start the plane.  Without other keys it isn't blocking instruments and banging into the panel while flying.  The key gets removed and attached to flight bag after shut-down so I know right where it is.

 

The Medco keys seem like overkill to me.  If somebody wants in your plane they are getting in.  I always lock my plane and put cover on if overnight on ramp to keep out prying eyes as well as giving some protection from heat and elements.  Lastly I remove headsets and items that are loose and have value to minimize the smash and dashers.

[Marauder]

What is everybody's "way" of storing/using keys? Making replacements is cheap and easy. Any place has my ignition, door and baggage keys. I keep a set with my hanger door key in my car at all times in case I decide to go to the airport and want to access the plane. I keep another full set attached to my flight bag. I keep the set attached to my bag and TAKE the set that stays in my car with me whenever I fly so I have two sets of keys. Finally I have JUST an ignition key with a ring that I also attach to my flight bag. This single key is used to start the plane. Without other keys it isn't blocking instruments and banging into the panel while flying. The key gets removed and attached to flight bag after shut-down so I know right where it is. The Medco keys seem like overkill to me. If somebody wants in your plane they are getting in. I always lock my plane and put cover on if overnight on ramp to keep out prying eyes as well as giving some protection from heat and elements. Lastly I remove headsets and items that are loose and have value to minimize the smash and dashers.

I have a bunch of key sets. The mechanic has 1, one in my truck, one on a lanyard in my flight bag (lanyard is worn and keys placed on it after a flight) and a spare in a secret compartment in the land of zippers (Brightline bag). As for panel security, a while back someone sold a Mooney avionics panel cover. It goes over both yokes and completely covers the panel. Just another barrier.

[DonMuncy]

Don't worry much about having a set of keys for your A&P. Virtually every one of them has a buch of keys, one of which will work on your plane. Not very consoling if you worry a lot, but pretty handy.

Remember, locks are just to keep honest people out.

[201er]

Don't worry much about having a set of keys for your A&P. Virtually every one of them has a buch of keys, one of which will work on your plane. Not very consoling if you worry a lot, but pretty handy.

Remember, locks are just to keep honest people out.

And insurance is for the rest.

[Bennett]

I have a bunch of key sets. The mechanic has 1, one in my truck, one on a lanyard in my flight bag (lanyard is worn and keys placed on it after a flight) and a spare in a secret compartment in the land of zippers (Brightline bag). As for panel security, a while back someone sold a Mooney avionics panel cover. It goes over both yokes and completely covers the panel. Just another barrier.

I had one of these full panel aluminum panel covers that had perpendicular yoke shaft covers with a lock at the base of one of these inverted U shaped extensions.  I used it in Mexico and some Caribbean islands.  I thought it was a great design, and I regret selling it with my prior Mooney.  The only criticism I ever heard was that a thief might use a crowbar to try and pull the cover away from the panel, thus causing a great deal of damage. Still, I wish I could purchase another one. I tried,but was unable to locate the manufacturer.  I have the Medco locks for the door and baggage compartment, but I doubt if they would stop a determined thief.  When travelling in Mexico I also carry a very heavy and elaborate two piece steel prop lock device that I think might be a deterrent.  Finally I have a throttle lock (from Sportys) that would take some time to defeat.  All in all, all this stuff might cause a thief to look for another aircraft. 

[Rocket 305]

I got mine done at Home Depot, hardware store, etc. The one I got done at Home Depot is Axxess brand blank and the number is 80. My ignition and door locks are different cuts (same blank). I get the blank with a red plastic head for the ignition and blue or green for the door.

 

I hate the idea of losing keys... I keep a set (with hangar key) everywhere (both cars, briefcase, flight bag, FBO, kitchen drawer, desk drawer, etc.).

 

good luck!

 

[Marauder]

I had one of these full panel aluminum panel covers that had perpendicular yoke shaft covers with a lock at the base of one of these inverted U shaped extensions.  I used it in Mexico and some Caribbean islands.  I thought it was a great design, and I regret selling it with my prior Mooney.  The only criticism I ever heard was that a thief might use a crowbar to try and pull the cover away from the panel, thus causing a great deal of damage. Still, I wish I could purchase another one. I tried,but was unable to locate the manufacturer.  I have the Medco locks for the door and baggage compartment, but I doubt if they would stop a determined thief.  When travelling in Mexico I also carry a very heavy and elaborate two piece steel prop lock device that I think might be a deterrent.  Finally I have a throttle lock (from Sportys) that would take some time to defeat.  All in all, all this stuff might cause a thief to look for another aircraft. 

 

You talking about this bad boy? It had some sort of star decal on it when I got it.

[Bennett]

Thats the one. Mine was bright yellow, with a Mooney logo.

[Marauder]

Thats the one. Mine was bright yellow, with a Mooney logo.

Do you remember who made it? I get asked periodically by Mooney owners and I can't remember who did. I'm pretty sure I saw it advertised in a MAPA magazine ad.

[N1026F]

I talked to Medeco re: buying new keys. They said I didn't own the registration number on the keys to my 2004 Ovation2--Mooney does. I called Mooney support and left a message hoping that there was some long-winded bureaucratic form-intensive method to obtain ownership, or official authority, to purchase a duplicate key for my plane. My only comfort after no return call: any potential thief will have to hot-wire it, and just like us, nail the numbers on short final. Downside: I haven't figured out how to hot wire it if necessary...yet.