TIPS FOR CUTTING OSAKA DESIGNS KEYS

Cutting your Osaka Designs key isn't rocket science, but it's also not as simple as duplicating an off-the-shelf key you might buy from Home Depot or Lowes.  If you follow these tips, you'll have a beautiful, working key for your vehicle.

1) Choosing the Right Locksmith

Please don’t take your key to a Walmart, Lowes or Home Depot. Most of them use automatic cutters that cut a key on both sides at once. Please take it to a qualified locksmith. Check Google for an ACTUAL Locksmith in your area.

[Be advised] It's up to your personal discretion if you want to mention the fact that this key is made of a special metal... Some locksmiths 'might' turn you away, if you do.

2) Titanium Cool Down Process

The titanium keys are made from Grade2 titanium (the lower the grade the softer the metal). The most commonly used grade is the Grade5 6AL4V titanium which is used for tow hooks, exhaust systems, etc.

The key cutting wheels are made from high speed steel and some of them are titanium coated, since a locksmith is accustomed to the softer brass and aluminum keys the high speed steel cutting wheel can cut them very easily. But here we have two very hard metals and a lot of friction/heat is generated while cutting.

The “key” (pun intended) here is to allow the key to cool down with each single cut each groove. Otherwise the titanium key will melt. Also please inform the locksmith to go easy with very light passes and not apply too much pressure on the lever while cutting. If cutting oil is available it can also help a lot. If they ruin or melt the key their excuses most of the time is the “key isn’t real titanium” (it is). So they must take their time while cutting this key.

3) Choosing the Proper Cutting Equipment

A manual cutter works best because the locksmith can see what is going on and has complete control on the process. Most dealers use an automatic machine that only does one side at a time. They work great if you allow them to cool before cutting the other side, keeping the original key in place and only flipping the blank.

4) Finding the Key Code / Cutting a New Master

It is recommended NOT to copy a worn key. A qualified locksmith can decode a worn out key, but cut it with a key code (and save them some time). On some vehicles, the passenger side key cylinder has the key code stamped on it.

Some locksmiths also have a database with the key codes based on the VIN number.

If your key is worn, you should cut a new key from a code and then use THAT to cut your new key.

5) Cleaning and Deburring

Even if everything goes perfectly with your locksmith, you may still need to deburr or even file down leftover metal.  Take your time and do it right.  At this point, the titanium that needs to be cleaned up should be thin enough to do things by hand.  Wire wheels, small files and patience are your friend.

6) Mistakes CAN Happen

As with anything, mistake happen.  Locksmiths are human and humans are flawed.  We are 100% confident our keys are the proper size, design and have been throughly tested before they reach you.  IF my some bolt of bad luck your key is damaged in the process, Osaka Designs can't be held responsible, HOWEVER, please reach out to us so we can do our best to help rectify the situation.

7) Using your Key for the First Time

Maintain your locking mechanisms by applying oil to the locks (this is the main reason why plastic door lock actuators break) the first time that you try the keys do not put too much force. It should go smooth verify if it aligns and matches with the previous key.