document updated 11 years ago, on Dec 17, 2012

if you know the key code or bitting code for a key, you can have a key manufactured to that specific code
- the code is often found via soap impressioning
- professionally, it's done with a key gauge
- it is theoretically possible to do it with long-distance photography equipment as well
but how do you manufacture a key for a specific code?
- computerized code machines (quick and easy, but expensive)
- depth keys
  - the actual process is detailed on page 31 of this PDF
- hobbyists usually just file down their keys, since that's much cheaper than alternatives. There are some tips on filing here.
reference tables of the distances between pins, and pin depth
- [1]
- [2]
- [3]