Cutting an Enzo key. Any advice? | FerrariChat
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Cutting an Enzo key. Any advice?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by 2000 456M, Jun 10, 2009.

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  1. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

    Sep 29, 2007
    12,600
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    Allan
    #1 2000 456M, Jun 10, 2009
    I bought an Enzo style key blank on ebay and need to have it cut. I'm concerned that the standard key vice at Home Depot, etc. will mar the finish. Has anyone had an Enzo blank cut and discovered any tips in the process?
     
  2. James-NZ

    James-NZ F1 Veteran

    Jun 26, 2007
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    Hamilton, NewZealand
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    James
    #2 James-NZ, Jun 10, 2009
    I took mine to a local locksmith, he wrapped the key head in some cloth prior to putting it in the vice, came out perfect. :)
     
  3. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 PAP 348, Jun 10, 2009
    +1! :):)
     
  4. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

    Sep 29, 2007
    12,600
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    Allan
    #4 2000 456M, Jun 10, 2009
    Thanks, guys. I kind of thought that would work, but wanted some confirmation before I bit the bullet (or the key). Those puppies ain't cheap--at least compared to a run-of-the-mill blank.
     
  5. Speedy2081

    Speedy2081 Formula Junior

    Feb 8, 2009
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    Joe C
    #5 Speedy2081, Jun 10, 2009
  6. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 PAP 348, Jun 10, 2009
    I would have to say that one is a replica Joe. :):)

    But that wouldnt stop me from buying it. I reckon it looks great. :D:D
     
  7. Speedy2081

    Speedy2081 Formula Junior

    Feb 8, 2009
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    #7 Speedy2081, Jun 10, 2009

    Thanks Pap
     
  8. jamie140

    jamie140 F1 Rookie
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    #8 jamie140, Jun 10, 2009
  9. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 tazandjan, Jun 10, 2009
    Make sure you tell your locksmith it is a steel blank. Many will not touch steel blanks because it tears up their grinding wheels. Those that will cut a steel blank usually really know what they are doing.

    The best looking keys I have seen are the carbon fiber ones done by one of our sponsors. Expensive, but nice.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  10. ASG 86TR

    ASG 86TR Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2001
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    New Jersey
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    Adam G
    #10 ASG 86TR, Jun 10, 2009
    I did mine last year. Bought it from the Ferrari Showroom in NYC for $110, and had a locksmith make me a key that I then fitted into the red case. Worked 100% with no issues.
     
  11. rimoore

    rimoore Formula 3

    Nov 18, 2004
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    Richard Moore
    #11 rimoore, Jun 10, 2009
    That's not an Enzo key. It's a trinket Ferrari stores used to sell.
     
  12. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

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    #12 2000 456M, Jun 10, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2009
    No one is going to confuse an Enzo with any other F-car, especially based on the key. I called it "Enzo style" because it was a compact phrase and I was pretty confident people would know what I was talking about.

    I, too, bought what I'm sure is a knockoff; even spending $149 for a key is, of course, pretty silly.
     
  13. jimpo1

    jimpo1 Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 jimpo1, Jun 11, 2009
    +1. If they don't have the correct grinder, it will tear up your key also. Go to a locksmith.
     
  14. M.James

    M.James F1 Rookie

    Jun 6, 2003
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    #14 M.James, Jun 11, 2009
    I once asked the folks behind the counter at the Vegas Ferrari Store if the uncut Enzo key they were selling could be used for opening locks (if cut) and their answer was 'NO'....???
     
  15. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

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    Allan
    #15 2000 456M, Jun 11, 2009
    I think the experiences of those above put that statement to rest. My blank has the same shape and dimensions as the key and slides smoothly into the lock; I can't imagine why it wouldn't work.
     
  16. Jsuit

    Jsuit Formula 3

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    #16 Jsuit, Jun 11, 2009
    Ace hardware did 2 of mine
     
  17. M.James

    M.James F1 Rookie

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    #17 M.James, Jun 12, 2009
    My only concern would be the temper-rating of the metal and its tensile/shear strength. If its a cheap metal 'for show', your key might not last very long.....but let us know! If it holds up well, the store-key was, maybe, $100? The keys on ebay are going for, what, $500?
     
  18. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

    Sep 29, 2007
    12,600
    Portland, OR
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    Allan
    #18 2000 456M, Jun 12, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 12, 2009
    I had planned to have it cut today, but left it at home in my rush to get out the door this morning, so I won't be able to report immediately. Sorry for the delay.

    The key apparently isn't steel (checked with a strong magnet which stuck to our high chrome content Dansk stainless), but it sure feels a lot harder and more scratch resistant than aluminum; I'm guessing nickel-chromium alloy. It should be okay. As for cosmetics, it may be a knockoff, but it sure looks pretty enough. Price-wise the ebay keys are in two groups: the below and above $225 or thereabouts. I assume the price break is for authentic v. knockoff.
     
  19. 2000 456M

    2000 456M F1 World Champ

    Sep 29, 2007
    12,600
    Portland, OR
    Full Name:
    Allan
    #19 2000 456M, Jun 13, 2009
    Very easy. Vice grabbed the key shaft, not the thick, red grip, as I imagined it would be necessary to do. Locksmith cut one side, flipped the key over, and cut the other. Worked perfectly.
     

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