Boat Key Cutting

4 for Boating · 05-23-2022, 12:14 PM

Took my 2006 Cobalt boat key to Lowes to get a copy made for safe keeping...

They inserted it into the cutting machine that analyzed the key and the machine reported back that it could not replicate...

Anyone know of another site that may be able to make a copy and/or have an older cutting machine that is not so automated?

The slug is odd shape and the key is smaller than your typical house key in length but the cut section is basic.

bigdog · 05-23-2022, 12:32 PM

Go to True Value Hardware 1084 Union Ave, Laconia, they may be able to cut you a key.

I had a 'double sided' key I needed a duplicate made, but Lowes was not able to cut, I then went to True Value and they cut me a key no problems.

Flotnjr · 05-23-2022, 02:05 PM

Is there a code on the key? PK... A lot of oem keys are pre cut, and can order from most parts departments.

4 for Boating · 05-23-2022, 09:50 PM

I don't see any code - at least that I can find.
Only a one sided cut.

Thanks for the Value Hardware lead - I will give that a try this weekend.

John Mercier · 05-24-2022, 06:35 AM

The trick is finding the blank.
The automated versions help the associates find the blank.

TiltonBB · 05-24-2022, 06:53 AM

I have also had good luck at True Value finding things that Lowe's doesn't carry. I think that is still the case even with the new owners.

If that doesn't work go up the street to Irwin's and see if they have a match for your key. At one time they had a stock of a substantial number of replacement boat keys.

Since it is a Cobalt you could try the same thing at Northwater Marine, formerly Thurston's, or East Coast Flighcraft.

You might also try A + B Lock. They have several vans on the road and operate out of Gilford. You may be able to catch him at the house before or after work.

fatlazyless · 05-24-2022, 06:55 AM

Have you tried Irwin Marine in Laconia? They probably have it, plus free coffee, plus the state's most classy marina rest room.

NHskier · 05-24-2022, 07:39 PM

At least in the past, Cobalt keys had a one letter code stamped on them. I got a couple of spares from Thurston’s at that time, and was told there were a dozen or so different key patterns in total. North Water Marine (bought out Thurston’s) might still have stock, or you could check with the current Cobalt dealer East Coast Flightcraft.

05-23-2022, 12:14 PM	#1
4 for Boating Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 241 Thanks: 1 Thanked 41 Times in 28 Posts	Boat Key Cutting Took my 2006 Cobalt boat key to Lowes to get a copy made for safe keeping... They inserted it into the cutting machine that analyzed the key and the machine reported back that it could not replicate... Anyone know of another site that may be able to make a copy and/or have an older cutting machine that is not so automated? The slug is odd shape and the key is smaller than your typical house key in length but the cut section is basic.

05-23-2022, 09:50 PM	#4
4 for Boating Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 241 Thanks: 1 Thanked 41 Times in 28 Posts	Keys I don't see any code - at least that I can find. Only a one sided cut. Thanks for the Value Hardware lead - I will give that a try this weekend.

05-24-2022, 06:55 AM	#7
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 9,169 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 310 Thanked 1,103 Times in 812 Posts	Have you tried Irwin Marine in Laconia? They probably have it, plus free coffee, plus the state's most classy marina rest room. __________________ .... Banned for life from local thrift store!

05-24-2022, 07:39 PM	#8
NHskier Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 298 Thanks: 45 Thanked 37 Times in 34 Posts	At least in the past, Cobalt keys had a one letter code stamped on them. I got a couple of spares from Thurston’s at that time, and was told there were a dozen or so different key patterns in total. North Water Marine (bought out Thurston’s) might still have stock, or you could check with the current Cobalt dealer East Coast Flightcraft. __________________ NHskier

05-23-2022, 12:32 PM	#2
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,459 Thanks: 357 Thanked 126 Times in 100 Posts	Go to True Value Hardware 1084 Union Ave, Laconia, they may be able to cut you a key. I had a 'double sided' key I needed a duplicate made, but Lowes was not able to cut, I then went to True Value and they cut me a key no problems.

05-23-2022, 02:05 PM	#3
Flotnjr Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 73 Thanks: 3 Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts	Is there a code on the key? PK... A lot of oem keys are pre cut, and can order from most parts departments.

05-24-2022, 06:35 AM	#5
John Mercier Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Posts: 3,987 Thanks: 3 Thanked 679 Times in 562 Posts	The trick is finding the blank. The automated versions help the associates find the blank.

05-24-2022, 06:53 AM	#6
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,159 Thanks: 749 Thanked 2,277 Times in 986 Posts	I have also had good luck at True Value finding things that Lowe's doesn't carry. I think that is still the case even with the new owners. If that doesn't work go up the street to Irwin's and see if they have a match for your key. At one time they had a stock of a substantial number of replacement boat keys. Since it is a Cobalt you could try the same thing at Northwater Marine, formerly Thurston's, or East Coast Flighcraft. You might also try A + B Lock. They have several vans on the road and operate out of Gilford. You may be able to catch him at the house before or after work.