Another approach to getting keys

[Huw Powell]

>> One thing to keep in mind is that there are only 5 different height 
>> tumblers in these locks, and there are 7 (I think) of them
> 
> 
> So if I'm figuring this right, there are 5^7 = 78,125 possible keys--not 
> counting ones that would be unlikely to be made, such as with all 
> tumblers at the same height.

Yes, but it's not a "random number" guessing game.  The theory is that 
each position gets cut one step at a time, until the step that matches 
the tumbler, which lets the key "jam" slightly.  Then on to the next 
position.

With anything resembling a skeleton key, or a skilled "rake" of the 
tumblers first, a skilled pro ought to be able to make a key faster than 
the kid at the hardware store.

And, as your calculation shows... our keys are not particularly unique, 
based on sales figures of VW's and Audis using that same basic key 
configuration.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/