Key for Bean Patrolman/Prison Cuffs

Does anyone know of a key blank for making keys for the Beans? I want to make several and just buying them is not as much fun as getting that file out.

Ron

I don't have blanks......I use all kinds of different keys to make them. Here are a couple of the ones I did for my Bean cuffs:


Most medium-large flat steel keys can be filed down into a Bean Patrorlman keys. Most of the time I just rumage through my keys and find a couple that look like they might work and start filing. Have fun!

Cheers, Mike

Does anyone know of a key blank for making keys for the Beans? I want to make several and just buying them is not as much fun as getting that file out.

Ron

I have 3 pairs of the bean prison/patrolman handcuffs in my collection that I've made keys for. None of them actually requires the center ward cut like the Bean-Cobb cuffs do. I noticed that Lars had sets with both styles of key on his site. Do any of the prison/patrolman cuffs actually require it?

Does anyone know of a key blank for making keys for the Beans? I want to make several and just buying them is not as much fun as getting that file out.

Ron

I have several pairs of the Patrolman/Prison cuffs and several pairs of the legirons. None of them seem to require the center ward. I have been working on getting a pair of Patrolman's to work correctly. When you close one side all the way they will lock. Hopefully, a lot of soaking in oil and moving the locking pins will get rid of the buildup of rust.

I was looking for a blank that would match the orig round shaft. Some of us do not have a large selection of old style keys to work with.

Mike-the key in your pictures look great.

Ron

Does anyone know of a key blank for making keys for the Beans? I want to make several and just buying them is not as much fun as getting that file out.

Ron

Thanks Ron. =)

Cheers, Mike

Does anyone know of a key blank for making keys for the Beans? I want to make several and just buying them is not as much fun as getting that file out.

Ron

The problem with finding a round post key blank is no-one that I can find makes them any more. Taylor was the source for most of these small solid post bit keys and they're no longer in business.

If you're looking to have some fun with a hand file most home improvement places like Lowes or Home Depot sell flat bar stock. 1/8 X 3/4 is a good size to start with. Cold rolled will make a better key than hot rolled but it's a bit harder to work with. Rough out your key shape and leave about 1/4" extra at the end of the post. Chuck the end in a small variable speed electric drill and you can turn the majority of the post with a file. Afterward you can use the file to smooth out around the bit and finish off with a 400 grit emery cloth. Cut off the extra length and file both sides of the bow evenly to thin it down to about 1/16" and drill your hole. Soak the key in vinegar for a few days to help with that antique patina look. Viola!! Now you have a genuine handmade key that looks authentic and is worth more than the cuffs.

Does anyone know of a key blank for making keys for the Beans? I want to make several and just buying them is not as much fun as getting that file out.

Ron

Thanks for the interesting information. The other thing I plan to do is check out some of the older locksmiths. They sometimes have a junk box of old stock. When I lived in California this was a good way to find old Taylor stock. However, now that I'm in Arizona it's just too hot during the summer to run around and the temp in the garage would equal a sauna.

Ron