|
 TEST RESULTS Tests conducted by:
Coalition Charter members:
2. Dave Drew, CFL, C&D Lock and Safe Inc. Florida 3. Richard Pacheco, CFL, CFEI, North Eastern Technical Services, Nationwide 4. Robert Mangine, North American Technical & Forensic Services, West Coast 5. Herbert Miller, CFL, CFEI, Arc Forensics, Mid- west and West Coast
“The photo below shows the key having a straight row of cuts and the Black square box of GM on the head. However, the key does not have the GM lettering inside of it. The key was tried on other GM products and found to turn the ignition, which loosens the steering wheel. Noting that the 2003 Hummer and other GM locks subsequent to 1994 model year utilize a double sided cut key, with 10 spaces and 4 depths, also commonly referred to in the trade as the GM 10-cut key and lock configuration, Dave Drew, Rich Pacheco and I had our doubts as to the validity of this claim and the alert. We Became concerned when we learned that this information had become widely disseminated amongst law enforcement and Insurance companies. This alert was sent to the NICB. An alert NICB agent contacted one of our members and he was asked to evaluate its accuracy. The photo depicted is that of a GM key blank cut with all of the same depths, and only on one side. The key is identical to space and depths keys for the GM 10 cut keys of which I have many sets as does Dave and Rich. This particular key is a #2 space and depth key. While one might speculate that we did not have the key in our possession, therefore, it was not possible to positively identify the key; this type of speculation would be inaccurate. It is well known amongst trained locksmiths that a key can be visually read to determine the depths of cut. The key can be read directly from the key itself, or from a photograph, a copy machine or any other media. Most trained automotive locksmiths can read the depths of cut on almost any key and can generate a duplicate key without having the original key in their possession. It was at this time that we decided to conduct the tests and report the findings to an agent at the NICB. Starting with a #2 space and depth key (the same key depicted in the alert) Dave Drew tested the space and depth keys in GM 10-cut locks that he had in stock. Even when using considerable manipulation techniques, the results were as suspected; the key did not rotate any of the locks. In addition, none of the four keys with the set, which use space and depths #1 through #4, would rotate any of the locks that were all pinned/keyed differently. Next, Dave tested the key sets in his personal vehicle, which also utilizes the GM 10 cut lock and key system. Again, while using considerable manipulation techniques, Mr. Drew was unable to rotate the cylinder. Dave has attached several photos of the space and depth keys used for the tests.
I cut the test keys on ILCO after market key blank # P1107- B89 Key, which has the same 75 groove keyway as most GM 10-cut keys and locks. I did stamp each of the (7) blanks used, with the numerical designation of the depths.
#3- #3 depth- “ #4- #4 depth- “ Key #5- 1 ½
depth- 10 spaces #7-3 ½”depth #8-4 ½depth Photos of the test cut keys cut as GM 10 cut space and depth keys as well as other space and depth keys for a variety of vehicles are available for examination upon written request. In my personal stock I have a total of 38 different sets of space and depth keys dating as far back as 1960’s AMC and older year model vehicles. Dave Drew has 47 different sets of these keys. All of these keys are available for inspection at our respective offices. Trained locksmiths are aware that space and depth keys are used for calibration. In other words, to cut keys by code. Assuming that there are no violations of factory coding specifications, these keys are ineffective in manipulating lock cylinders, merely by their design. My GM-10 cut test keys were cut on my HPC Blitz key code cutting machine using HPC code card #CF215. The newly cut depths were then examined for calibration, once again using my HPC key code cutting machine, the CF215 code card, and a Gil-Ray decoding wheel and the depths are 100% accurate and calibrated. Using a micrometer, the depths were measured and are noted as follows: Depth #1- .315 which is the width of the blade #2- .290 #3- .265 #4- .240 The above micrometer readings confirm that my GM 10 cut test keys were accurately cut with the proper and precise space and depth measurements. Noting that the alleged “master key” alert reported that the key has a black in color square key bow used by GM but that the “box” inside of the bow does not display the GM logo, the author must not be aware that some generic brand after market keys may also have the proper black in color plastic bow, with no name on the bow. The alert does not stop short by just mentioning the 2003 Hummer, but goes on to say” The key was tried on other GM products and found to turn the ignition which loosens the steering wheel. A skilled and trained expert, would conclude that it is highly improbable that the one sided single cut space and depth key, which has all the same depths cuts along one side of the blade, would rotate the ignition lock, noting that the lock is also side bar protected. A non-skilled non-professional may also not be aware that the late model GM columns, especially on most SUV’s and larger size vehicles have done away with the steering wheel lock. I personally did test the GM 10 cut test keys in the following vehicle door locks and
ignition lock, no matter how ridiculous I felt doing this test, however, as suspected, the keys did not rotate any of the
locks on any of the vehicles. The VIN numbers and the photos of the test vehicles are available upon written request. #1- 2005 Hummer- IAA Morganville, NJ- Negative results #2- 2005 Cadillac Escalade- IAA- Carteret, NJ #3- 1999 Chevrolet Suburban- “ “ #4- 2003 GMC Yukon Denali- “ “ #5- 2003 Chevrolet 1500- “ “ #6- 1997 GMC - “ “ #7- 2005 Hummer H2- Car Tech, Old Bridge, NJ #8- 2006 Hummer H3- Auto Exchange (Vehicle Found to now use a Toyota type Non- GM ignition lock, Key would not enter keyway) #9-
2002 GMC Yukon Denali- IAA- Carteret, NJ #10- 2003 Cadillac Escalade- IAA- Carteret, NJ #11- 2001 Cadillac Escalade – IAA- Carteret, NJ #12- 2000 Chevrolet Suburban- Car Tech, Avenel, NJ #13- 2002 Hummer- IAA- Carteret, NJ In closing, I have conferred with Coalition member Robert Mangine of North American Technical and Forensic services of Las Vegas Nevada, who stated that he also tested the space and depth keys on GM 10-cut locks that he had in stock and none would rotate when the space and depth keys were used.
The key depicted in the photograph is a #2 space and depth key that is just one of the keys from a set of four, that is used to cut keys by code. This key by itself is useless. The only way this key could have been used to operate a GM ten cut ignition lock cylinder is that the cylinder would have to be completely worn to the extent that not only this key would rotate the cylinder, but also any GM ten cut key would operate the cylinder. An intentional violation of factory coding specifications would also allow the key to function, assuming the lock was coded with all #2 sidebar tumblers, something neither I or any of my colleagues have ever seen. There are no GM keys (or any other keys) that use all number two cuts. This key is not a try-out key, a jiggle key, a filed down key or a pick key. It is necessary to reiterate that the key is merely a space and depth key.
As charter members of the Coalition Network of Forensic Examiners, my colleagues and I would welcome the opportunity to examine this key as well as all of the vehicles it is purported to operate. In all probability, this examination will reveal that this “master key” can be placed next to the graves of the “tennis ball” car opener alert, the cellular phone used to unlock a vehicle and the availability of transponder keys sold on the internet alert. Not to mention the prior Toyota “Master Key Alert”. THERE ARE NO MASTER KEYS FOR VEHICLE LOCKS. Master Keys are for Master key systems used in multi-level large commercial complex master key systems.
NJ Locksmith License #34LS00015700Vice President Sterling Investigative Services Auto & Technical Forensic Division South Amboy, NJ
C&D Lock & Safe, Inc.
North Eastern Technical Services.
North American Technical & Forensic Services Las Vegas, Nevada
Arc Forensic Services, Indiana
Sterling investigative Services Auto & Technical Forensic Division South Amboy, NJ
|
Key #2- #2 depth – 10 spaces 
