Key Machine Manual Library

• Illustration of replacements parts with part numbers
  
• Exploded view of parts and where they're located on the machine
  
• General operating sequence
  
• Replacing the cutter wheel
  
• Adjustments
  
• Calibration
  
• Cleaning
• General safety
  
• Illustrated instructions for duplicating keys

• If it's an ILCO key machine, owners can send it back to the factory.
• Local locksmiths.
• People like you.  If you're mechanically inclined, key machine repair is fairly easy and straight forward.
  As a previous locksmith by trade, I made tens of thousands of dollars buying, fixing, and selling used key machines.  I repaired key machines for local hardware stores, realtors and property managers, jewelers, dollar stores, engravers, automobile, truck, motorcycle and RV and Camper dealerships, marinas, airports, equipment renters, construction yards, golf courses, apartment complexes, pack and ship stores and storage facilities. 
  If you're looking for extra income, this is something you may want to consider. 

Why repair when you can buy new?
With the economy the way it is, owners are repairing their older machines instead of buying new.  Some know how to fix their machines.  Most don't. 
This is where motivated people with mechanical skills make money.

What can go wrong on a key machine?

• Cutting wheels become dull
  Easy repair.  It usually involves removing only a nut and washer.
  
• Deburring brushes wear down
  Easy repair.  It usually involves removing only a nut and washer.
  
• Machine needs to be calibrated
  
  Most manuals explain this adjustment in pictured detail.  After awhile, you will notice most, if not all, key machines are adjusting in the same fashion.
  
• Jaws and key clamps wear
  Easy repair.  Simply unscrew old part and screw in new part.
  
• Belts lose their tension or break
  Easy repair.  Loosen motor to reduce belt tension, remove belt, install new belt and reposition and tighten motor down to add tension.
  
• Motors die
  Most motors are easy to replace and are only held to the base with four fasteners.
  
• Guides and stylus' get dull on get dinged
  If you can calibrate a key machine, you can replace a stylus easily.
  
• Bushings wear out
  This repair involves getting your hands dirty and is a little more involved.  Replacing bushings is where you'll make your money as most key machine owners find this task above their skill level.
  
• Carriage and cutter shafts wear
  This repair involves getting your hands dirty and is a little more involved.  Replacing shafts is where you'll make your money as most key machine owners find this task above their skill level.
• Studs and wing nuts threads get stripped
  Easy repair.  Simply unscrew old part and screw in new part.
  
• Springs compress or lose their tension
  Some springs are easy to replace while some are more challenging.  Most springs in key machines are specialty springs and cannot be found at your local hardware store.  Some examples of these springs can be viewed here.
  
• Cutter and motor pulleys get dings, dents or rough spots and start chewing up belts
  Easy repair.  Most pulleys are simply secured with set screws.  Simply loosen the set screws slip off old part, install new part, and tighten down set screws to secure.
  
• Key gauges get bent or need replacing to correct spacing issues
  Easy repair. 
  
• Safety hoods crack or break
  Easy repair.