Re-keying door Lock- Need Slabs

[frached]

I am trying to re-key a door lock/handle to match an ignition key. I was told by a few people I will need slabs once I take the lock cylinder apart. I have searched for slabs or slab kits everywhere and it doesn't seem to be a thing. If anyone here has done this before or has knowledge abot this process, do I actually need slabs or can I use the existing slabs in the cylinder and place them in a different position according to the key? 

[ray_]

Failing locating the wafers, you can stick the "new" key in and file down the brass wafers which protrude, and voila!

 

Cheers,

[Get2theBimmah]

You can switch their locations to fit, but that's only if you have enough of the right ones to work for your specific coded key.  It helps to have another door handle to poach shims from.  I gotta dig up some extra shims that I can ship out your way in hopes that they'd be the sizes you can use.  If you want, PM me your info. 

 

 

[ray_]

You can also remove them all.

 

;-)

[Mike Self]

I wouldn't swear to it, but the wafers in an '02 lock (pictured above) look very much like those used in an E30.  Both are made by the same company, so they may well be the same.

 

BMW has a kit to rebuild E30 door locks; the kit comes with an assortment of wafers so you can match them up with your existing lock.  Perhaps someone on the board who has dismantled both an '02 lock and an E30 can confirm that the wafers are the same.  Otherwise just follow Ray's advice and file your existing ones down with the new key installed.

 

mike

[frached]

@Mike Self- Thanks to you and all the great responses here. I appreciate all the help. Do you happen to have the part number for the E30 wafer kit? Thanks, Fares

[TobyB]

WWW.REALOEM.COM

 

Also, VW wafers from anything older than 16 valve can be pretty easily filed to fit.

 

A local locksmith did a set for me, and then she said, 'Honey, next time, just get yourself some VW parts.'

 

So I'm guessing it's pretty close to an exact fit.  As German cars used German suppliers (Huf) back then.

 

t

 

[esty]

what is a slab

 

[ray_]

2 hours ago, TobyB said:

WWW.REALOEM.COM

 

Also, VW wafers from anything older than 16 valve can be pretty easily filed to fit.

 

A local locksmith did a set for me, and then she said, 'Honey, next time, just get yourself some VW parts.'

 

So I'm guessing it's pretty close to an exact fit.  As German cars used German suppliers (Huf) back then.

 

t

 

 

 

[Jdddrigot]

If you’re looking for a key this guy on EBay did me well.   I sent him the number off the back of the door handle. 

['76mintgrün'02]

2 hours ago, esty said:

what is a slab?

 

this is a slab of burly big-leaf maple

 

[ray_]

6 minutes ago, '76mintgrün'02 said:

 

this is a slab of burly big-leaf maple

 

We all could use a hug!

 

 

[Son of Marty]

To answer Esty's Q, the slabs are those little flat metal slides that the key must push out of the way in order to turn the switch.

[Mars55]

Hi all - I'm in the same boat: current door locks with no key. Where is the key number located for new keys to be cut?

 

Cheers,

[Eruly_5]

Re-keying is done by taking the lock apart and replacing some of the parts inside that are called key pins( you referred to them as slabs). When you replace those pins with different ones, you essentially set a new key that will now operate the lock. Re-keying a door lock is a great choice.