Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Trouble duplicating NC2500S lamphouse & top front panel key

This is topic Trouble duplicating NC2500S lamphouse & top front panel key in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 03-06-2017, 05:29 PM:

We have recently installed a used NEC NC2500S projector, that came with only one key for the lamphouse and top panel. If that gets lost or broken that would not be good news, obviously, given that both covers need to be properly shut to close the tamper and safety switches protecting them. So I'm trying to get a copy made.

I've now been to no fewer than four key duplicating places (Lowe's, Home Depot and two independent locksmiths), all of whom say that they can't duplicate the key - very unusual shape and they don't have an appropriate blank. It looks pretty ordinary to me, but there again, I'm not a lock expert.

The key has "Toshigiya" stamped into it, and the number 121 below. Toshigiya appears to be a manufacturer of a wide range of small mechanical objects, based in Tokyo. There is an authorized reseller in Long Beach, and I suppose that one option would be to contact them, but if they need to import made-to-order keys from Japan, this could end up being an expensive exercise.

Toshigiya's website lists part # 121 as being a complete lock assembly, with key. Presumably there are many different key types sold with these locks, so even if I bought a complete #121 lock set, the keys that came with it would almost certainly not fit the locks on my projector.

Has anyone managed to get one of these keys duplicated, and if so, where? I'd be a little wary of mailing our only one out of town, but might consider doing so. Alternatively, does anyone know of a model of replacement lock that would simply go on these panels without any serious modifications needed, and which is readily available in the US? I can't find any US-based vendor offering actual Toshigiya #121 lock sets for sale online.

Suggestions appreciated as always.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-06-2017, 06:35 PM:

Any of the larger locksmith places should be able to do it. They may need the lock itself though.

Mark

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 03-07-2017, 10:23 AM:

most elevator companies or security companies can duplicate them

Posted by Carsten Kurz (Member # 5396) on 03-07-2017, 04:11 PM:

I think a 'real' locksmith would be able to do it. Question is, how do you find a 'real' locksmith locally, as you are certainly not willing to send away the key to a remote company... Also wondering wether it's easier to build in a new lock. It doesn't look like a very special lock. Should be able to find fitting ones easily.

Lock-picking is a sport nowadays, maybe you can find a capable locksmith through one of their internet forum sites.

- Carsten

Posted by Rick Raskin (Member # 1561) on 03-07-2017, 04:22 PM:

The #121 looks like a common cabinet lock. Does the one in your machine look like that?

Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 03-08-2017, 08:12 PM:

Yes, which makes it all the more bizarre that four places have all told me that they can't copy it.

I guess I need to keep trying more independent locksmiths.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 03-08-2017, 10:45 PM:

Could you remove the lock and replace it with one for which you can make spare keys?

Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 03-08-2017, 10:56 PM:

You could try calling NEC and ask them the specific blank that is used and or a viable substitute. If you can get that info, you can call around instead of having to visit all of the various locksmiths. Or maybe NEC will do a copy for you.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 03-09-2017, 01:32 PM:

quote: Carsten Kurz
Also wondering wether it's easier to build in a new lock. It doesn't look like a very special lock. Should be able to find fitting ones easily.

If you do this check to be sure the switch hasp doesn't activate a safety micro switch like it does in Series 2 NEC's... Any replacement you install is also going to have to activate the switch or you could also bypass the switch.

Mark