Why Not Print Your Own Keys?

Matt Burns

Matt is a Senior Editor at TechCrunch. Matt Burns is a family man first and attempts to be a writer second. Born and raised in the heart of the automotive world, only cars eclipse his love of gadgets. He previously wrote for Engadget and EngadgetHD before moving into the party house that is TechCrunch. He learned the retail side of... → Learn More

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011


3D printers can make pretty much anything but they seem to be tasked with making just novelty items. That’s what the creator of this project thought as well and so set out to replicate keys using his RepRap 3D printer. Spoiler: He did it.

The story goes that he ordered a few used lock sets from ebay and then manually measured the keys using a ruler and caliper. From there he he created an OpenSCAD model that allows for the printing by imputing the code for Kwikset KW1 and Schlage SC1 keys. Other keys can be made by manually entering in the schematics. The printed keys are even reportedly strong enough for most locks, too, although they should probably be used more as an emergency key. But let’s not take away from the fact that 3D printers are finally useful! Huzzah! [eclecti.cc via hack.a.day via technabob]