Sidewinder Key Bitting

Sidewinder Key Bitting2014 EditionSAAB 2-Track# Code Series:1.130" (Approx.)BC0001 - BC28652S0001 - 2S2675.118"STOPCreated ByCutting shi YM30.266example0103236301Odd positions use depths 0, 2, 4, 6 onlyEven positions use depths 1, 3, 5, 7 onlySTOP.112".230.348.466.584.703.821.939SAAB 4-Track '03 Uniform Width Groove.125".118".313# Code Series:DA 0001 - 2893 (7-cut)DB 0001 - 4500 (8-cut)Lishi WT47TDEPTHS0 - .211"1 - .1962 - .1803 - .1654 - .1505 - .1356 - .1207 - .104Incr. - .0152Web - .040MACS - 3DEPTHS1 - .138" - (A)2 - .116 - (B)3 - .095 - (C)4 - .073 - (D)5 - .051 - (E)Incr. - .0217Web - .025MACS - 3Unlike other sidewinder keys with a uniform width center groove, the tumblers in these locks alternate contact of the left and right trackas indicated by the pointers. Opposing cut depths have an inverse relationship which renders a uniform width groove. When codingoriginal keys, care must be taken to use proper cut root width and bitting angles to allow the tumbler protrusion height of .118" (3mm)to pass freely through the groove. Cars which use this as the emergency key within a fob key (the 9-3) have only the tip seven cuts.The published codes reflect the bitting for the left track. The opposing right track depth for each position will always be 6 minus the lefttrack depth. Tumblers are stamped with letters A through E which correspond to the depth of cut and track (left/right) which the tumblercontacts. For instance, if the first two positions are cut 2 1 (left track), then the first two cuts of the right track would be 4 5. The first twotumblers in the lock would be B E since with the first position the tumbler contacts the left track, and with the second position the tumblercontacts the right track. It is vital to understand this relationship when decoding a lock. The key depicted would correspond to a codebitting 2 1 4 1 3 2 4 5. The right track would be cut 4 5 2 5 3 4 2 1 and the lock combinated B E B A C D B E bow to tip.SUBARU'08 # Code Series:T0001 - 43.774"Lishi DAT17DEPTHS1 - .292"2 - .2663 - .2404 - .215Incr. - .0256Web - .037MACS - 2MASTER / VALET: Secondary locks have akeyway that is warded which prevents an uncutblank from entering. Valet keys are cut with amore obtuse tip angle which creates a sectionthat is full blank height ahead of the 5th cut position. This prevents thevalet key from entering. Because of the necessary bitting angle forvalet keys, a number 4 cut depth is never used in the 5th position.Valet Key and Keyway2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CMLRev. Mar '145

Sidewinder Key Bitting2014 EditionPONTIAC GTO# Code Series:H0001 - H30001.038" (Approx.).118"example3432525896.284Lishi HU43Odd positions use depths 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 onlyEven positions use depths 2, 4, 6, 8 reated ByCutting ProcessPONTIAC G8 / CHEVROLET Caprice 11 # Code Series:.118"60000 - 62113Lishi GM45.283INFINITI .519.412.304.197example46214313# Code Series:0001 - 6000.118".295Masterexample3443332211ValetValet Cut - Left Track # Code Series:J,K,L,M 000 - 999STOPMaster 5Valet 2.719.599.480.360.2411.005"HONDA.118".352Keyway of LockLishi HON66example3211512623NOTE: The uncut center web of the keyshould be .035". If the web exceeds .040",the cut key will not enter the lock.DEPTHS1 - .198"2 - .1833 - .1694 - .1545 - .1406 - .1257 - .1118 - .0969 - .082Incr. - .0146Web - .040MACS - 3DEPTHS1 - .239"2 - .2233 - .2074 - .1915 - .1766 - .160Incr. - .0157Web .045MACS - 4DEPTHS1 - .286"2 - .2623 - .2394 - .215Incr. - .0236Web - .040MACS - 2DEPTHS1 - .312"2 - .2983 - .2834 - .2695 - .2556- .241Incr. - .0142Web - .035MACS - 4Key must be cut to #1 depthto this point in order to bypassSome code publishers display this series showing 6 spaces.keyway warding In the lock.Ignore the last space (it is always a #1 depth both tracks). Somecompartment locks do contain a tumbler in the sixth position. Thecut in the 5th position on the right track will only be a#3 or #5 depth.2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CMLRev. Mar '146

Sidewinder Key Bitting.754.628.502RANGE ROVER '95 to '02.376LAND ROVER 4-Track.250"2014 Edition# Code Series:0001 - 6000.138".796.670Variable Increment!(.6, .7, .8 mm)MasterValet.818.544.692.567.441.315.189"BMW 4-Track.292STOP.418.298example1321212431# Code Series:BH011450 - MW 2-TrackMINI COOPERLAND ROVER.357Lishi HU58STOPUniform Width Groove.118" (3mm)HBA0001 - HBA6000Lishi HU92NEW FORMAT '11 STOPBMW 8.142Tumblers contact the right track onlyLishi HU100RTumblers contact the left track onlyDEPTHS1 - .276"2 - .2533 - .2254 - .194Web - .040MACS - NoneVariable Increment!(.6, .7, .8 mm)Valet# Code Series:RANGE ROVER '03 DEPTHS1 - .285"2 - .2613 - .2344 - .202Web - .040MACS - NoneMasterValetBMW - RoverDEPTHS1 - .150"2 - .1263 - .103.118" 4 - .079Incr. - .0236Web - .025.321MACS - 2MiniCooperDEPTHS1 - .113"Z0001 - Z6000 ?2 - .093.118" 3 - .074example4 - .05424212424.250Incr. - .0197Web - .025Uniform Width GrooveMACS - None# Code Series:.105"The BMW HU100R key is the reverse format of the common GM HU100 key. This meansthe bitting is referenced from the left track, instead of the right track. Like the GM codes, thisis also a "Z" prefix, but the bittings are not the same as the GM "Z" code series. Codes arenot published as of this printing, and the full code range is not certain.2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CMLRev. Mar '147

Sidewinder Key Bitting(Opposing Tumblers Aligned)STOP.196OLD FORMAT.369.715"VOLVO 4-Track '88 - '92.5422014 Edition# Code Series:0AAAA - 9XXXXNote: The tumblers inthe '88 - '92 locks arediecast zinc alloy.118".293MasterSTOP.244NEW FORMAT.417VOLVO 4-Track '93 .590.763"example25312415(Opposing Tumblers Staggerd)Valet# Code Series:KM1V00000 - Lishi NE66DEPTHS1 - .292"2 - .2723 - .2534 - .2335 - .214Incr. - 0197Web - .040MACS - None*Z - .138The "VOLV" key is usedon construction equipment.The keys are all the sameDEPTHS1 - .292"2 - .2673 - .2414 - .216Incr. .0256Web - .040MACS - NoneLeft Track 1545Right Track 4231But these are cut using theOLD format specification.VOLVO 2-Track1.025" i HU56Created ByCutting ProcessDEPTHS1 - .170"DH0001 - DH40002 - .141.138" 3 - .1124 - .083.287Incr. - .0291Web .040MACS - 2MasterValet# Code 9.827.945VOLKSWAGEN / AUDI / PORSCHEUniform Width Groove.118" (3mm).059.106Lishi HU66Tumblers contact the left track onlyEXTENDED CUTThis is found on certain vehicles which use the transponderto validate an electro-mechanical ignition lock. The cutroot is in the same location for all keys, and interacts withwith an element to retain the key in the lock.Masterexample31224231DEPTHS.118" 1 - .150"2 - .1263 - .103.3214 - .079Incr. - .0236Web - .025ValetMACS - 2# Code Series:HAA 0001 - 8110NAA 0001 - 8110 (Designates valet key)2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CMLRev. Mar '148

Sidewinder Key Bitting2014 EditionFORD 10-Cut '11 JAGUAR '07 VOLVO '05 LAND ROVER '05 # Code Series:10001 - 11500 Ford / Jaguar0001 - 4000 Rover4000 - 9000 Volvo1.102" (approx.)example2453124353Lishi Created ByCutting Process.118".2145FORD 7-Cut'14 PEPS Fob Emergency Key.831" (approx.)# Code Series:DEPTHS1 - .178"2 - .1543 - .1314 - .1075 - .084Incr. - .0236Web - .038MACS - 2STOPCreated ByCutting Process.110".201.291.382.472.563.65411501 - 13000GENERAL MOTORS 8-Cut '08 SAAB '08 Tumblers contact the right track onlyexample2124353This very short blade may present an issue withsome duplicators, as tip gauging from the closetposition of the key vise may not allow the widenedportion of the blade to be outside the grip range.One tactic to facilitate duplication is the shim boththe pattern key and blank slightly by the samedistance back from the stop gauge.# Code Series:Z0001 - Z6000Lishi HU100DEPTHS1 - .113"2 - .093.118" 3 - .0744 - .054Incr. - .0197.250Web - .028MACS - 122324Uniform Width Groove.104"GENERAL MOTORS 10-Cut'14 TrucksTumblers contact the right track onlyUniform Width Groove.104"# Code Series:V0001 - Pexample21134243212004 - Greg N. Brandt, CMLRev. Mar '149

Sidewinder Key Bitting2014 Edition.118"Uniform Width GrooveApprox. .100"STOP.098".201.303.405.508.610.713.815FIAT / MASERATIPIAGGIO*.297# Code Series:DE0001 - DE11210Lishi SIP22Tumblers Contact Left Track OnlySMART CARThe ignition lock is sidebar, other locks are not. They are a different form tumbler and aremarked with an opposite scheme as the other locks. This means the left format tumblershave numbers, and the right have letters.730.626.522.417.313.209The groove is not actually a uniformwidth. Factory keys are cut using asmaller diameter cutter, and opposingtracks are closer where the bitting isangled between adjacent cuts that differin depth. This may create a problemwith a 2.5mm tracer fitting betweenopposing tracks during duplication.RightLeftLocks contain both left and right format tumblers. In the door locks, right format tumblersare marked with the cut depth, but the left format tumblers are designated with acorresponding letter (A-D). If you need to remove tumblers from door / compartment locks,uncrimp the scalp of the core and remove the flat tumbler retainer located rm Width Groove.110"# Code Series:90001 - 99000 ?.118"4.289example846382DEPTHS(A) 1 - .166"(B) 2 - .135(C) 3 - .103(D) 4 - .072Incr. - .0315Web - .024MACS - 28DEPTHS1 / 5 - .131"2 / 6 - .1073 / 7 - .0774 / 8 - .042Web - .037Variable Increment!(.60, .75, .90 mm)RightLeft8Cutdepths58Tumblerscanbeeitherleft or right format. Left7registeronformattumblershavetheprotrusion for contacting6the key on the same side as the spring tab,5 the left trackand right format the opposite. The tumblers arestamped with numbers with the right format tumblers1Cut depths 1 - 4 numbered 1, 2, 3 or 4, and the left numbered 5, 6, 72register onor 8. Locks will contain a combination of both leftexample3the right trackand right format tumblers.4818454These keys are cut with a uniform width internal groove, andDECODING LOCKS: Orientation of the tumblers is unique. To fit atumblers alternate contact of the left and right tracks. Twokey from a lock, record the numbers stamped on each tumbler.possible bitting formats are shown, but other bitting formatsThen convert the numbers in positions 3 and 6 to the complementaryhave been observed (e.g. L R L R R R). The pointers indicate cut according to the depth scheme (e.g. change 1 to 5, 2 to 6, etc.).tumbler contact on the left and right tracks in the examples.Therefore, a lock with tumblers stamped 3 8 5 8 4 2 (bow to tip),The locks use a combination of left and right format tumblers will convert to bitting 3 8 1 8 4 6. The way the bitting is representedwhich are turned in different directions. Tumblers in positions here is contrived, as no factory bitting-from-code information is1,2, 4 and 6 are biased opposite of tumblers in positions 3available at the time of this printing, nor is the full code range known.and 6. The way a bitting is presented here requires that youaccount for the depth and which track each cut contacts.It is very difficult to properly code original keys for this serieswithout the use of computerized key machinery.For example, a #1 depth will be cut almost (but not exactly)the same as a #8 depth, with the difference being which track2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 10the tumbler registers on.

Coding Original Sidewinder Keys. . . Using Depth KeysThere are various methods of generating sidewinderkeys to a specific combination (or cutting by code). Abasic method which can be performed with the commonsidewinder duplicating machine is to use depth keys.Depth keys are a special set of keys in which each keyhas all the same depth cut, for all positions. A set ofkeys will consist of one key for each depth cut. Thismeans that if there are four depths used in a particularseries, there will be four depth keys in the set.Each depth key will have the even numbered positionscut on one side of the key, and the odd positions on theopposite side. The reason is to facilitate creation of aproper transition between adjacent cuts when tracingfrom a key.Begin by duplicating the complete # 1 depth key ontothe blank. Follow by selecting the next appropriatedepth key. With the sample bitting, # 2 depths areused in both odd and even positions. Use the 2-E sideof the depth key and trace the cut for position 8, thenturn the depth key over and use the 2-O side to traceonly cuts for positions 3 and 5.Continue through the sequence for all applicabledepths and positions which pertain to the combinationyou are cutting. When completed, you will have a keywhich should function, but lacks finished quality.All sidewinder keys are laser cut (no steeples), whichensures ease of operation and reduces prematurewear of the lock tumblers. Therefore, it is highlydesirable to optimally contour the bitting. Steeples canbe removed from adjacent cuts of the same depth bycarefully moving the carriage until the cutter justtouches the root of a cut, then cutting away the metalbetween. Many machines have a feature allowing youto lock the x-axis of the carriage which aids thisprocess.It is also best to modify some of the bitting anglesbetween adjacent cuts which differ by only one or twodepths. Modifying the bitting angle is much moredifficult, but can be done with care. The finished keywill have a smooth transition between adjacent cuts.When cutting any sidewinder key, It is important tounderstand it’s characteristics such as how the keystops, and the number of depths and spaces. Theprocess of cutting a Volvo 2-track key to combination31242332 will be presented as an example. It may beadvantageous to write the bitting in a way to easilydiscern the odd and even cuts as such:O E O E O E O E3 1 2 4 2 3 3 2Certain keys may have special considerations whenoriginating. For instance, with internally cut keys suchas Lexus, you may need to code the left and righttracks on separate sides of a blank, then trace eachtrack on to another blank for the completed key.Coding both sides of a key vs. duplicating from the oneside created is an issue. Any time you make aduplicate from a duplicate, you are likely to affectaccuracy. Know the accuracy of your duplicator andthe specifications for the key you are cutting, so thatyou may compensate if necessary.2008 - Greg N. Brandt , CML11

Coding Original Sidewinder Keys. . . Using Pattern KeysSidewinder keys and locks are generally more sensitiveto wear related problems due to their distinct interactionof the key and tumblers. Factory sidewinder keys arealways laser cut (no steeples), and have the bittingangle optimized between adjacent cuts to minimizewear.The classic method of coding original sidewinder keysis to use depth keys, by tracing each cut position froma special set of keys. A problem with originating keysby this method is the lack of control in creating a keywith ideal contour between the cuts.One alternate method of originating is to create apattern key. A pattern key is made from blank material,and is essentially a silhouette of the bitting for thesidewinder key. Advantages to using the pattern keymethod are the ability to efficiently remove steeples,achieve optimal bitting angle, and make adjustments tocontrol accuracy. All externally cut 4-track keys may beeasily originated with pattern keys.With someexceptions, most other types would need specialpreparation, therefore this method is not as practical touse.After you have created a blank pattern key to theproper dimensions for the type you are cutting, use thebitting specifications with your code machine to cut thecombination you need.If you cannot laser cut with your code machine, thenfile the steeples by hand on the pattern. You can alsoadjust the bitting angle by hand filing between adjacentcuts as necessary.For proper registration, your pattern must be created ina way so there is full blank height supporting the key inthe vise on the fore and aft end of the combinationcuts.Once the pattern is made, any number of keys may betraced without affecting accuracy as would be inherentwhen tracing from a key generated from depth keys.The Honda sidewinder service key is ideal for makingmost pattern keys. Begin by cutting to the same heightas the blank for the key type you are working with. Ifyou are creating a key for a type which tip stops, thenblunt and square the tip of the pattern key. If you areworking with a key which uses a shoulder stop, thenform that in your pattern. There is no need to create ashoulder on both sides of the pattern, but form theshoulder on the same as the fixed side of the vise ofyour duplicator (Matrix - left side, Bianchi - right side).Simply duplicate from the pattern to the sidewinderblank. Most keys will require an additional procedureof forming the tip lead-in angle. The easiest way to dothis is simply trace the tip area from a factory key. Inparticular, the Honda key will require cutting a # 1depth a certain distance uniformly in front of the firstcut position (see the bitting specification). The keybelow illustrates a ‘prep key’ which may be used forthis purpose. It also creates the tip lead-in, and a #5depth on the left track, fifth position, which is presenton all master keys.2008 - Greg N. Brandt , CML12

2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 2 Sidewinder Key Bitting 2014 Edition LEXUS 16-Cut MAZDA Millen