Top A2 Machines for SFIC Best Locks Revealed

[@LuckyStrike01]

I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised at how well the Triton cuts Best keys. I’d love to get a punch(blue or the Ryan)for A2/A4 just for ease of use and not needing power/portability but having a machine that can cut and engrave the keys all in one is great. #LockBoss

[@IowaLockDoc]

How often have you used the engraving feature, and if you had 15 keys to engrave...how much extra time does it take to do that. I'm stamping my keys, seems quick enough to do that vs engraving on a machine.

[@waterboyblue1]

In my little business i have stepped up to a framon 2 with the a2jaw and cutting wheel. This has really made my world alot easier once I got the jaw calibrated to the machine 👍#lockboss

[@nylocksmith]

#Lockboss. I like the HPC Blitz (1200)

[@johnfalk6955]

Always GREAT to expound on #Lockboss Knowledge.

[@odinslockllc]

I currently use Fr2 and HPC 1200 for A2 but used to have the Pakapunch with the IC kit (I eventually traded for sc1 kit) and the kaba MK2 punch with IC punch kit. Both punches for IC were “iffy” (for me) but I’ve never had a problem with the Fr2 and the 1200. Thanks for sharing! #lockboss

[@groverthetoecutter7874]

Great video I personally use pacapunch , # lockboss

[@williamc2553]

We currently use the HPC Blitz 1200 for cutting our sfic keys. But if I had to buy another, as of right now I would do the blue punch. I currently don't do a lot of SFIC work, but hope to do more soon! #Lockboss

[@daviddevoe3999]

Thanks for the info😊

[@NicksLock]

The biggest issue that comes with punch style or by the number cutters, is it separates the locksmith from what those numbers mean. the step difference in a best 2A system is .0125" , 0->1 or 5->6, that's also why its a 2 step system, so you have .025" between steps. sometimes it very important to know the why behind what we do, not just get in and get out! Love the content PJ. #Lockboss

[@Dayman0war]

Thanks for the breakdown of categories, really hoping to be able to save back for the SFIC course with the blue punch someday soon... #Lockboss

[@derbmed1]

I like the information on SFIC cutters. It is something I’m looking for in my #Lockboss repertoire- especially since SFIC services are limited in my area- it’ll give me an edge.

[@Chirael]

Great to know about those other options as you move up to more #lockboss volume-thanks PJ 😊🙏

[@doorandlocktips]

Hey, what are you doing over here? Are you jumping ship ha ha.#LockBoss.

[@doorandlocktips]

I think best makes their own hand punch and I would stick with that one, but I would be hard-pressed to use any hand punches. They’re just so antiquated expensive and you know it hurts a lot if you’re driving your truck there you got your machine right there with you at all times, whatever that may be and believe me believe me they all cut best keys all of them you may have to calibrate the ITL. You have to calibrate best to get them exactly perfect that’s why you buy extra keys and you do this all in your shop if you can.#LockBoss.

[@Chirael]

@@doorandlocktips ha ha nope, just always trying to learn more 😁

[@DJPerret]

You can cut SFIC A2 keys on almost any machine if you put your mind to it. I've been trying to code cut some on a Foley Belsaw Model 200, using space and depth keys. Does it work? Yes. Did I find miscuts in my space and depth keys? Also yes. Honestly the tip stop, versus a shoulder stop is the trickiest part of trying to cut these keys on this particular machine. If you've got anything more than a small SFIC job, and you might run in to this system again, you probably should have a machine that cuts these keys decently, like all the ones you mentioned in the video. For a one time deal with a small job, or tinkering around as a hobbyist, you can make it work with a manual duplicator and space and depth keys. Of course the real tricky part of the SFIC A2 system is the pinning, which is just as tricky (but doable!) no matter which key cutting machine you have :-) #lockboss

[@IceMan0003]

Framon2 is the best cutter for any key including best! Although even for hundreds of keys the Best Green Combinator is an excellent punch. #lockboss

[@doorandlocktips]

You say any key can it cut a Medeco M3 #LockBoss

[@IceMan0003]

@@doorandlocktips if it's an edge cut key sure, the Framon2 cannot cut 4 track vehicles either, but that's not the point.

[@countrylockandkeycountrylo2034]

I have six of the blue punches and one of the Frman

[@FTRVDenny]

Thanks for the great info. We still use a Blitz. #Lockboss

[@kevinwitt8827]

Thanks for sharing. I don't do best yet, but I'm planning on working on it over the next few weeks. I apprenticed with a locksmith who used the blue punches for everything. They had been using the same punches for nearly 25 years! I'll probably start with a blue punch, but then get a better machine if I find I'm doing tons of them. Thanks again for the info! #lockboss

[@caryastevens]

The Triton Plus you've got back there does a FANTASTIC job cutting IC core keys. Even though it doesn't have a cutting "wheel", it's super accurate and cuts those keys perfectly. It can be a little irritating to insert the SFIC keys into the S2 jaw, but if you get the $10 red, blue, and black IC Cores Tip Stop, it's painless. Please try it sometime. Oh, and for those that do really high volume, the punch machine that Best makes is suuuuper expensive, but truly is the best machine for the job.

[@jasonusc1]

Thanks PJ! Always interesting for those of us getting interested in being a #Lockboss

[@ImGumbyDangit]

Very timely video - it reminded me I needed to setup and cut keys for some Best A2 cores. (On my Fra2) #LockBoss

[@AdrianBozemanVibesHolley]

Great stuff Pj and CLK! I have used the blue punch and the original Best punches, the Best originals are exceptional but very pricey! At the University were I worked we used an ITL 9000 and it was a rockstar, again the price of the machine was significant. However, we were cutting hundreds of A2 system keys daily. I currently own a Rytan and Blue punch for non A2 keys and have been thinking of getting a punch for A2. I like the idea of have an automatic machine for ease of use though. Tough #Lockboss choices to be made!

[@joepalovick1915]

Great video and it’s hard to argue your selections. I also think the Framon 2 should get a mention somewhere on the list just for its versatility. I see why you didn’t mention the Triton based on price and cutting method but it does cut Best key’s accurately as long as you take the time to align the key properly. #lockboss

[@philherman5209]

I use the Rytan RY2000 and it works great! Thanks for the information PJ! #Lockboss

[@tomcason5399]

I have a Rytan on the truck and a ProLock in the shop. Both very accurate. Very easy to get confused. The ProLock punches tip to bow and the Rytan punches Bow to tip. I think you need to buy the one that punches the way YOU think of the bitting. Imagine you are handed the master key system on paper for a big job and all the bittings are T to B and all you have on your truck is the Rytan. It's all doable just not always easy. #Lockboss

[@locksny]

I use my old Big Red Exacta with my Bionic arm 💪 #Lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Pls show us arm asap -PJ

[@jeffmalchow3604]

Haven't worked with Best much as a new guy but ones I've cut on my HPC 1200 punch have worked great. Nice to have a punch that does several different keys as well as doesn't require power. Don't have a generator or inventor on the truck yet. #LockBoss

[@doorandlocktips]

Oh thanks for having a great show again but I do love ITL 9700A It’s a great brand #LockBoss.

[@clksupplies]

ITL is good for sure! -PJ

[@jeffhudgins9142]

I don’t believe you could go wrong with any of the machines discussed. I own two Blue punch machines and love them for Schlage & Kwikset. #Lockboss

[@zach2763]

The Pro Lok Blue Punch is a beast. I find it faster to chuck up and cut on them than on a computer machine. However, you're correct -- cutting 500 keys on the Blue Punch will wear out the arm. #Lockboss

[@doorandlocktips]

You say any key machine have you tried the ITL 920 A it’s far above all the rest of these machines and that’s what you’ll find in most institutions and the amazing thing about this machine is the head articulates so when you’re cutting Medeco keys, you have no problem and you won’t have to go out and buy another machine except car keys you have to go to another option

[@zach2763]

@@doorandlocktips I'm aware of the ITL machines. They look excellent. A stretch goal of mine when I save up a spare 10k is to purchase the ITL 950C. Assuming you can get repair service if needed, it seems like a genuine game changer.

[@doorandlocktips]

I have Keyline machine in my truck it’s called the ninja. It doesn’t cut car keys but is an awesome machine. I only paid 2400 bucks for it. It’s brand new. I bought it from Keyline themselves. Their website called them up and made offers for a month until I got it for 2400 bucks, it is about nine years old or 10 years old, but it was on their showroom floor never used. They totally refurbished it for my channel so that I could show it off and I have many videos on it. There is a problem cut and I think we all know what it is. It’s that thin, and not too high keyway, you have to put a thin spacer on the ninja Chuck bommer but they have a workaround they supply a spacer, but in the ITL, you don’t need some crazy prop to straighten the key. I love ITL.

[@Adamdaj]

I am not a locksmith, but I always wanted to learn how cut keys and match up pin. Having Cerebral Palsy effects my hand coordination, so being a locksmith as a career isn't realistic for me. I've always been impressed with BEST or Sargent and Greenleaf as the 2 tops manufactures in locks. I found a BEST padlock laying in street put in cabinet and only two or three years I took it my local locksmith with another padlock w/ key that I purchase on eBay. I was able to get a new core and new Ctrl Key. I guess I became a BEST SFIC junky, because I picked three more locks and a used core w/ Ctrl & Op Keys. I also pick a new core w/ Ctrl & Op keys #LockBoss

[@peteo4454]

Usually use the Blue punch but love my Framon KX1 for versatility. #lockboss

[@gkeyman565]

A good #LockBoss subject. Have a great day

[@Ropa_Redefined]

Great #Lockboss information

[@davidturner6509]

Good information! I don’t see a lot of sfic in my neck of the woods. #LockBoss

[@bstrickler]

IMHO, a fixed punch machine, or a direct-in cut with micrometer, like a Framon is the way for tight tolerance locks like BEST. Punches are best overall, because you don't have to worry about the curvature of a cutting wheel causing issues. Any cutting wheel machine is never going to cut straight across. I'd be leery about an HPC punch, due to the wheel not being dead nuts on every time. It's better than nothing, but for speed/productivity, a punch, or production type CNC machine is best.

[@glockaxis]

Can't disagree with you PJ. The Rytan machine has been enough for me so far, but should I move into larger jobs, I would definately take a look at the more expensive top two. #Lockboss

[@MrTechKey]

Good, Better, Best. Thanks PJ. This wannabe #Lockboss appreciates your time and effort.

[@Mattslockshop]

Great info, interesting choices, thanks PJ ##Lockboss

[@FTGlock-N-key]

I am currently using my 1200 for sfic. ,but would love to have a blue punch dedicated to just sfic.#lockboss

[@johnshelton6043]

Great information as always from the leader of the #LockBoss Giveaway company!!!!

[@edparadis1578]

I personally use 3 different machines for the A2 system, (1)the Ilco MK2 (I like the versatility for punching other keys i.e. Kwikset, Schlage, Best, etc) but it's discontinued by Ilco, so I'm careful not to abuse it. (2) I use the Prolok Blue for probably 90%, it will cut virtually all Best keys standard and patented keyways, but it's a dedicated for A2 Best only. (3) I use the factory Best Combinator in the shop, but it's limited to only the standard keys, not the newer patented keys. The MK2 and Prolok go with me when I'm out in the field because they're easily portable. There are only a few electric cutting machines that will consistently cut to the tolerances required by the Best system, but unfortunately, I don't do the volume that would justify the expense, and we don't regularly cut other keys to offset the cost. Years ago, we had one tech who decided that it was easier to use the rotary machine to cut 100 or so factory keyblanks rather than the combinator. Only 2 of the keys worked. That was a lot of expense factory blanks that went into the scrap brass bin. I do, however, drool at the thought of getting one of these magnificent machines someday! I applaud those machines with the accuracy and versatility that they have been able to achieve. Y'all are getting me even closer to #Lockboss status with every video!

[@sheldonkoehler]

I am still a huge Blue Punch fan for SFIC. Fortunately I do not have to cut 500 at a time...

[@Marshall_Lock_and_Key]

Definitely don't rule out the Blitz 😎 #lockboss

[@mathematicsbydustin]

I got a nice BEST name-brand old-style red A2 punch machine practically giving them away for their price. nicest guy in the world. i don’t know how i could EVER repay him! #LockBoss

[@jeffreykelley1071]

I love my Blue punch for the A-2 system I have 2 of them always quick and accurate. #lockboss

[@OZLockandKey]

The Rytan punch is a machine for residential when set up for KW and SC keys. I can safely say, with it set up for A2 and something else, I could see it being a real work horse! #lockboss

[@IowaLockDoc]

A #Lockboss always needs the Best for BEST applications.

[@securetechlocksmithco.7383]

Nice info PJ. #Lockboss

[@GarryH-nd6tx]

We have the A4 system and use the BEST oem machine (mot the "orange" one.) #LOCKBOSS

[@LockChuck]

Great breakdown. The best best machine😂 #lockboss

[@alancorson9146]

I'm looking at the blue punch machine #lockboss

[@KeithPobocek-sy7ik]

Lockboss # I use a blue punch

[@ericnunez6478]

I've had the Blue punch for years and it has never let me down plus I can take it anywhere....just saying...#LOCKBOSS

[@carllewis2207]

Interesting. Thanks PJ #Lockboss

[@jeffk204]

Great information, thanks #Lockboss

[@2815Juan]

I use my ITL950C for best keys. But my SecE9 also cuts them. But the ITL is fast and perfect every time

[@curley6531]

thanks for the great info!!! #lockboss

[@TexasFire]

I guess it's good that I haven't had any sfic jobs in a while. I used to use my 1200blitz but it died and now all I have is my Triton and Nomad duplicator. Haven't tried cutting a sfic key on the Triton. Maybe a blue punch in my future. #Lockboss

[@NateGodin77]

Love my blue punch, haven’t tried my futura for best keys yet #lockboss

[@177994003]

TOLERANCE - DO A VIDEO ON 0.03 IN RESTRICTED SYSTEMS. 0.00-0.05. WHAT DOES YOUR MACHINE CUT TOO.

[@roadsidetowing1847]

Great video. #Lockboss

[@jacobnbr11]

I don't do much Best brand work as many of the small businesses I deal with don't want to pay for these cores and systems. For me, I would buy the punch machine. #Lockboss

[@willardlocks]

Great information as always. #Lockboss

[@c.a.mlocksmith]

I used to use the blue punch a lot when I use to work at the key shop. now in my buisness I use my Pak-A-Punch for my A2 . It works great. In occasionally I will use the Triton Machine but the manual hand punch work better. #lockboss

[@daveaedion]

Blue punch or the Fr2 with the sfic Jaw. #Lockboss

[@edwardhughes5222]

I use the HPC 1200 Blitz for mine. #Lockboss

[@nylocksmith]

#Lockboss. Maybe it is time for a change!

[@vernondollhopf3249]

Great info #lockboss

[@Pyrolock]

PJ's picks are all excellent, BUT I prefer the actual BEST Factory BEST Combinator as a #lockboss. That machine is what BEST itself manufacturers and sells with their BEST key systems. It's an expensive manual key punch machine, costing as much (if not more) than the Futura Edge machine. -- BUT that is the BEST machine (literally), hands down. Sorry PJ

[@clksupplies]

Haha true should have mentioned the OE lol -PJ

[@polarbear7334]

Great info#Lockboss

[@z28sscamarors]

We have a blue prolock punch as well as an A1 mean green punch, and I prefer the mean green punch all day. Just smoother for me. And I have had to punch out hundreds of keys at a time with it. I wrapped some foam around the lever, which helps. Definitely feel it in the elbow and shoulder though. Maybe some day I'll get to try an automatic cutter. Is there a machine that will cut the key and engrave the key stamp? That would be sweet. #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Yes it’s 40k tho -PJ

[@doorandlocktips]

ITL by far is the best machine on the planet for cutting best keys you and I both know that but they’re far above more expensive than all the rest and the ITL 9700A is the baby #LockBoss

[@lockeduplocksmith]

Here we use a Best AD433-2 punch cutter and it's really fun to make keys with, thankfully we don't make more than a handful of keys at a time #lockboss

[@jeffmoss26]

Blue punch for this #lockboss

[@josephleonard7880]

Great info for cutting best keys #lockboss

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks, PJ. #Lockboss

[@hro789]

I like the pak a punch or blitz #Lockboss

[@jamesestep76]

Best a2 machine. I would have to go with futura edge. Thanks James estep locksmith co #lockboss

[@Socalhockey24]

Great Info! #LockBoss

[@locksmithandmore]

Framon2 for accuracy, 1200 blitz for speed and my triton for convenience of doing other things while it cuts. #Lockboss

[@tweakmode808]

Getting something to cut by code will be a hopefully near future purchase. #lockboss

[@douglinley570]

Grate

[@stephenzies8867]

Oh Yea Nice #LockBoss

[@nathand4001]

ITL does a great job. has anyone tried the CDJ-3 HPC Jig ? #lockboss

[@robertdingman3041]

Awesome tutorial. Wish you would have gave price ranges #lockboss

[@dougkimber21]

👍 #lockboss

[@georgeblair7129]

ITL machines for cranking out keys by code. Fastest partially automated machines. #lockboss

[@doorandlocktips]

I’ve had two ITL‘s they’re fantastic. I have the ITL 9700A. It’s spectacular and I have shot multiple mini videos. In fact I even posted a playlist just for best. It’s nice to run into someone that appreciates ITL hooray for us.

[@georgeblair7129]

@@doorandlocktips Previous shop I worked in had an old 950c. super fast to cut nearly anything.

[@clksupplies]

ITL is good for sure! -PJ

[@kennethjohnson359]

#LOCKBOSS

[@jaimehernandez7435]

Rytan ry200 is what i use anybody else ??? #lockboss

[@leonmatvich5059]

#lockboss

[@donniesparks2269]

#LockBoss

[@doorandlocktips]

😂#LockBoss ITL9700A

[@menachemkizelnik1797]

Why do you never Mention Itl It's very common among locksmiths #Lockboss

[@clksupplies]

ITL is good, need to mention more for sure -PJ

[@Colorblind_Guy]

#LOCKBOSS

[@rigidedgelocksmith]

None of that for me yet #lockboss