New key doesn't work.

[wimkever]

Since I have only one key for my '67 Euro bug I bought this (code K) blank:

I went to a local shop and let the guy make a copy from my original key.
I thougt modern machines would make a perfect copy, but the guy told me it might not work.
He was right. I can lock the door lock with my "new" key, but I cannot open it.
Also it's not possible to start the car with my "new" key, it won't turn once inside the ignition switch
Is there anyone who has an explanation for this? Like I said, I expected a perfect copy, but I guess I was wrong.
Secondly, is there anything I can do to make it work?
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a beetle is like a cocker spaniel, always funny but sometimes not listening

[mukluk]

Clamp the two keys together so as to compare their profiles and lengths. See how they differ and if it's possible to correct the copy to better match the original.
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1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga"

[EVfun]

The clamp and compare advice is good. Look real closely for the start and ends of the ramps between pin points. Often old keys wear a bit and go in farther than they should (point worn) or slightly less than they did (little dirt pad in the back of the lock.) Then you are not using the same spot with the old and the new key, and the lock and key has worn to accept the change, ever so slowly over time.
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[Michael Ambrozik]

I see you are in Holland, see if you can find a good lock smith and have him/her copy the key and try it at the site before you leave if it works pay if it fails have them try again till it works.

[wimkever]

Thanks for the replies, they are useful to me.
First I will try the "clamp together" method. If it's not successful I'll start searching for a quality locksmith.
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a beetle is like a cocker spaniel, always funny but sometimes not listening

[Cusser]

[wimkever]

[BIGMIKEY]

[Cusser]

[Thing #6]

You have three problems, all working off of each other.

First, it's an old, worn ignition lock (and the door lock has a LOT less wear).

Second, it's an old, worn key (quite possibly not original).

Third, the key cutter can only work from the key that you have.

A new key cut to match a work key for a worn lock may not work if it is only a fraction of a millimeter off at the tiny spot that makes contact with the lock pins, and it only needs to be wrong for a single pin to not work.

Keys index one of two ways, either from the tip or the shoulder. It looks like these keys have shoulders (that "notch" up near when you hold it).

You need to clamp the old key and new key together with the shoulders PERFECTLY aligned in both directions (the easy way to do this is by putting a knife blade against the shoulders, then tightening your clamp).

Now, check that all of the cuts are lined up with each other (at least one is NOT). The best way to do this is with a straight edge, such as the side of a paperclip, or something similar). The chances are that the cuts in the new key are not quite as deep as the old key, and if so, you can use a tiny file to profile the new key. If the cuts are deeper than on the original, you will need a new key.

There is a type of lock decoding/picking device called a Lishi 2-in-1 Tool. I don't know which one fits the lock that you have, but call around your area to see if any of the locksmiths there has the right one.

Using the Lishi tool, they can decode your LOCK, then cut keys to fit it in the current condition.

[wimkever]

Thanks Thing #6 for your explanation. I understand better now what's going on.
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a beetle is like a cocker spaniel, always funny but sometimes not listening

[Thing #6]

My pleasure.

Locks are pretty simple, but half a century of wear will have an effect.

[aa390392]

Very useful info…thanks for sharing., it should be a sticky thread.?
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getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet