Sidewinder Key Bitting

( 2014 Edition (
This reference may be used as an aid when duplicating, decoding, and originating keys, as well as understanding
master/valet functionality and diagnosing problems associated with worn or badly cut keys. Sidewinder keys may
generally be decoded by sight if the general characteristics for the specific key type are understood.
Lishi numbers are listed where applicable, as they have become the common way to refer to a specific key/lock format.

~ INDEX ~
PAGE
1 - MERCEDES 2-Track 10-Cut OLD M MERCEDES 2-Track 10-Cut NEW M MERCEDES 13 -Cut M MERCEDES 4-Track
2 - LEXUS 16-cut M LEXUS 10-cut M LEXUS 8-cut
3 - HYUNDAI / KIA 12-cut M HYUNDAI 2-Track Right M HYUNDAI 2-Track Left M HYUNDAI 7-cut
4 - BMW Motorcycle M DUCATI / PIAGGIO / KTM/ APRILLA / MOTO GUZZI Motorcycle
5 - SAAB 2-Track M SAAB 4-Track M SUBARU
6 - PONTIAC GTO M PONTIAC G8 / CHEVROLET Caprice M INFINITI Q45 M HONDA
7 - RANGE ROVER 4-Track M BMW 4-Track M BMW / ROVER / MINI COOPER 2-Track M BMW 2-Track NEW FORMAT
8 - VOLVO 4-Track OLD M VOLVO 4-Track NEW M VOLVO 2-Track M VOLKSWAGEN / AUDI / PORSCHE
9 - FORD / JAGUAR / LAND ROVER / VOLVO 2-Track M FORD 2-Track 7-cut M GM 8-Cut M GM 10-Cut
10 - FIAT M SMART CAR
11 - Coding Original Sidewinder Keys - Using Depth Keys
12 - Coding Original Sidewinder Keys - Using Pattern Keys

SIDEWINDER KEY TERMINOLOGY

SIDEWINDER KEY - An automotive key of which LEFT / RIGHT TRACK - Think of the track designation as
the bitting is a wavy groove milled in the side of the side it is always on with the key clamped in a key machine.
the blade. Note: Use of the term "Sidewinder" Alternately, Instacode refers to these as Side A and Side B.
dates to the early 1980's when these locks were
new to the automotive industry, but the term LEFT RIGHT
is a point of contention. Various sources may also TRACK TRACK
use alternate terms such as Track Key, Laser Key
or Side Mill Key.

LASER CUT - A method of key bitting that removes

the steeples between adjacent cuts.

TRACK - The contiguous bitting surface of a

sidewinder key.

WEB - The uncut center wall of the blade,

expressed as a thickness dimension.

SPLIT WAFER - A wafer tumbler that does

not completely surround the key blade, typically 4-TRACK
2-TRACK 4-TRACK
with two tumblers for each bitting position. EXTERNAL CUT
This means each tumbler of a pair contacts INTERNAL CUT
alternate tracks of the same space position.
ASP refers to these as Half Tumblers. RIGHT / LEFT FORMAT - Full wafers with the tumbler contact opposite the
spring tab are most often considered Right format, and tumblers with the
contact on the same side of the spring tab are Left format. This convention
is found where tumblers are marked R or L by a few manufacturers, and is
also in accordance with ASP designations.

Locks produced domestically by Strattec for Ford and GM use opposite

designations from the above convention.
SPLIT WAFERS Right Left
2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14
 Sidewinder Key Bitting
2014 Edition
MERCEDES 2-Track 10-Cut OLD FORMAT - To '93
NOTE: Keys manufactured by Huf
DEPTHS

.098"
1 - .154"

.188
.278
.367
.457
.546
.636
.725
.815
.904
STOP are typically cut .001" shallower.
Created By 2 - .130
Cutting Process All Mercedes 2-Track keys contain 3 - .106
at least two #5 depth cuts. 4 - .083
5 - .059
example Incr. - .0236
1322455331
Web - .040
1.255" (approx.) MACS - 2
.118"
MERCEDES 2-Track 13-Cut Alarm Key '84-'93 .2145
.098"
.188
.278
.367
.457
.546
.636
.725
.815
.904
.994
1.084
1.173
STOP Master Valet

example
4553223122432

1.365" (approx.)
Most 2-Track keys form the stop by the
cutting process. On all keys which have
a widened neck such as this Mercedes,
the stop should be at the point where the
MERCEDES 2-Track 10-Cut NEW FORMAT - '94+ transition from wide to narrow begins.
CHRYSLER Crossfire If the stop is formed closer to the tip, the
.098"

integrity of the stop will be diminished.

.188
.278
.367
.457
.546
.636
.725
.815
.904

STOP

Lishi HU64
Certain fob emergency keys
1.135" (approx.) example have a shortened tip which
2313545423 affects the stop-to-tip dimension
.187"

MERCEDES 4-Track example

.288
.390
.491
.609
.699
.788
.878

12454534 DEPTHS
STOP 52314222
.118" 1 - .301"
2 - .277
.306 3 - .253
4 - .229
Lishi HU39
5 - .205
Master Valet Web - .040
Dummy Cut - Varies for combination Incr. - .0236
The first position will have only one active cut which may be either on the left or right track depending MACS - See Text
on the code. The active cut will always be depth #1 thru #4. The opposing cut will always be a dummy
#5 depth. #1 depths are not used in positions 5 thru 8. Note the spacing varies which in essence
groups the tumblers (positions 1 - 4 and postions 5 - 8). This spacing results in a MACS of 2, except
between positions 4 and 5 of which the MACS is 3. MACS does not apply to the dummy cut.
2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 1
 Sidewinder Key Bitting
2014 Edition
LEXUS 16-Cut DEPTHS

STOP
.120"

.881"
1 - .024"

.787
.692
.598
.503
.409
.314
.220
MAZDA Millenia 2 - .047
KIA Amanti .305 3 - .071
4 - .095

Code Series: 5 - .118
O0001 - O5000 Lexus Incr. - .0236
Lishi TOY40 20001 - 22825 Mazda
L0001 - L1000 Kia Web - .040
example MACS - 2
5-5 and 5-4 opposing cut combinations Valet Cut - Right Track (except valet cut)
23243442 do not occur in the same postion Master = 4
35442424 Valet = 2

Code Series:
DEPTHS

STOP
40000 - 49999
.598"

LEXUS / TOYOTA
.503
.409
.314
.220
.120" (1) 1 - .052"
10-Cut '98 + (2) 3 - .082
.305 (3) 5 - .113
Incr. - .0305
Web - .040
Master Valet MACS - None
Lishi TOY48

example 5-5 opposing cut combinations NOTE: Lexus 10-Cut tumblers are
55131 do not occur in the same postion not stamped with numbers, but may
11351 1 3 5 easily be identified by sight

Code Series:
80000 - 89999 DEPTHS
.120" .069 ( I ) 1 - .041"
STOP

(N) 2 - .069
.635"
.498
.360
.222

LEXUS / TOYOTA .305 (S) 3 - .092

(Y) 4 - .118
8-Cut Non-Reversible Incr. - .0256
Thin Web - .030
Keyway of Lock Version MACS - None
Lishi TOY2 This key is bitted on only one side, and is not reversible
in the lock. Factory blanks come machined on the non-
example bitted side, but these can be made from the old style
3141
.590"

Lexus key by machining as indicated.The non-bitted

.453
.316
.177

4312
side must be machined using two planes of cut depth
Blade machined thinner .069" to bypass keyway warding as shown.
this edge only .095
.895" .120 The web of the key is not centered exactly, due to the
nature of the machining.The tumblers are stamped with

This edge
thinner letters which correspond to depths as indicated. The
thin version is used on some later vehicles, and has
no grooving on the non-bitted side.
.042
Non-Bitted Side (2 Places)
Machined *thanFactory keys are cut with a smaller diameter cutter
the customary 2.5mm. Certain combinations may
Profile be a challenge to duplicate, as a 2.5mm tracer may not
pass between opposing tracks at some positions.
2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 2
 Sidewinder Key Bitting
2014 Edition
DEPTHS

STOP
.665"
1 - .047"

.571
.476
.382
.287
.193
HYUNDAI / KIA .120" 2 - .071
12-Cut 3 - .095
.305 4 - .118
Incr. - .0236
Web - .040
Lishi HY22 Master Valet MACS - 2
example 4-4 and 4-3 opposing cut combinations
# Code Series:
G0001 - G2500
NOTE: The Lexus 16-cut format
112213 do not occur in the same position split tumblers can be used to
124342 J0001 - J2500
K0001 - K2500
combinate these locks. Use
Lexus 2-5 for Hyundai / Kia 1-4.

HYUNDAI 2-Track Right

Santa Fe '13+ # Code Series:
C1001 - C3500

.306 DEPTHS
Lishi HY20R
1 - .078"
example .118" 2 - .098
24354313 3 - .118
STOP

4 - .137
.327
.799
.705
.610
.516

.232
.421

.138

# Code Series: 5 - .157

HYUNDAI 2-Track Left T1001 - T3500
Accent '12+ Incr. - .0197
.118" Web - .030
Lishi HY20 MACS - 3
.306

example
42541234
STOP

DEPTHS
.622"

# Code Series:
HYUNDAI / KIA 7-Cut
.291

.126
.457

U0001 - U2500 Kia 1 - .024"

Cadenza '13+ / Equus '14+ I 0001 - I 2608 Hyundai 2.- .043
(code prefix is the letter "I") 3 - .063
4 - .083
.118" 5 - .102
Lishi K9 Incr. - .0197
Web - .040
example .276 MACS - None
1323
.374

.209
.539

252

2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 3

 Sidewinder Key Bitting
2014 Edition
# Code Series:
K05001- K05600 ? The extent of the code range is not known at this time.
BMW MOTORCYCLE
NOTE: The BMW and Ducati, etc. lock formats are similar, with
.236"

.417

.598

.779
example the same depths, cut-to-cut dimension, and bitting characteristics.
STOP 1 3 1 3 However, the first tumbler location, bow-to-first-cut dimension, and
21 2 3 number of tumblers are different.

The BMW key presents the same problem for duplication as

described below, for the Ducati. The technique for cutting these
keys with the common 2.5mm diameter cutter using either a
computerized key machine, or duplicating machine should be just
as viable. If using a manual duplicator, you would need a BMW
specific prep key. See the Ducati key text for a description.
.092" Wide Groove
.146

.327

.687
.508

Milled Full Blade

Length
.102" DEPTHS
1 - .118"
.329 2 - .083
3 - .047
Incr. - .0354
DUCATI / PIAGGIO / KTM Web - .024
MACS - None
APRILIA / MOTO GUZZI Keyway of Lock
.098"

.823
.280

.461

.642

STOP
example
22113 # Code Series:
3133 Z2001 - Z9416
NOTE: Factory keys are cut slightly different than other sidewinder keys in
that they are not truly laser cut (steeples are not totally removed), and the
bitting angle does not vary for different adjacent cuts. A groove must be
milled straight down the center to bypass keyway warding as can be seen
from the illustration. It is not necessary to cut keys exactly as the factory.
.092" Wide Groove
.189

.370

.732
.551

PROBLEM: Most sidewinder machines use a 2.5 mm (.098") diameter cutter.

Milled Full Blade These factory keys are cut with a smaller diameter cutter which is necessary
Length as the distance between opposing #1 depth cuts is .092". Consequently
you cannot use most machines to trace these keys as the tracer will not pass
through certain positions at opposing shallow depths.
To avoid the expense and inconvenience of changing to a smaller cutter and
tracer, it is possible to cut these using the common cutter by using a special
"Prep Key" which is made with a larger groove. This key has small valleys
between adjacent #1 depth cuts on each track that allow the larger cutter to
"PREP KEY" form opposing #1 depth cuts which are staggered as the pointers indicate.
In using such a key for duplication, first copy the prep key onto your blank. Then, insert the original key and continue tracing what
area you can beginning from the tip, until your guide will not pass between opposing cuts of the original key. Next, turn off the
machine, raise the cutter / guide and set the guide into the next open area while aligning the cutter into the groove made previously
by your prep key. Turn on your machine and trace every area you can. Depending on the cut combination, you may need to reposition
the cutter again. Keys cut by this method will have a slightly different appearance from factory keys, but are just as accurate.
This manner of cutting by adding valleys between shallow depths is highly suitable for computerized machines, but at the time of this
release it is not believed any manufacturer does this, nor is there a commercial source for a prep key as described.

2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Feb '14 4

 Sidewinder Key Bitting
2014 Edition DEPTHS
SAAB 2-Track 0 - .211"
# Code Series: 1 - .196
1.130" (Approx.) BC0001 - BC2865 2 - .180
2S0001 - 2S2675
3 - .165
.118" 4 - .150
Lishi YM30 5 - .135
.266 6 - .120
example
STOP 0103236301 7 - .104
.103"
.197
.292
.386
.481
.575
.670
.764
.859
.953
Created By Incr. - .0152
Cutting Process Odd positions use depths 0, 2, 4, 6 only Web - .040
Even positions use depths 1, 3, 5, 7 only MACS - 3

SAAB 4-Track '03+ DEPTHS

1 - .138" - (A)
STOP
.112"

Uniform Width Groove 2 - .116 - (B)

.230
.348
.466
.584
.703
.821
.939

.118"
.125" 3 - .095 - (C)
4 - .073 - (D)
.313 5 - .051 - (E)
# Code Series: Incr. - .0217
DA 0001 - 2893 (7-cut) Web - .025
Lishi WT47T DB 0001 - 4500 (8-cut) MACS - 3

Unlike other sidewinder keys with a uniform width center groove, the tumblers in these locks alternate contact of the left and right track
as indicated by the pointers. Opposing cut depths have an inverse relationship which renders a uniform width groove. When coding
original keys, care must be taken to use proper cut root width and bitting angles to allow the tumbler protrusion height of .118" (3mm)
to pass freely through the groove. Cars which use this as the emergency key within a fob key (the 9-3) have only the tip seven cuts.

The published codes reflect the bitting for the left track. The opposing right track depth for each position will always be 6 minus the left
track depth. Tumblers are stamped with letters A through E which correspond to the depth of cut and track (left/right) which the tumbler
contacts. For instance, if the first two positions are cut 2 1 (left track), then the first two cuts of the right track would be 4 5. The first two
tumblers in the lock would be B E since with the first position the tumbler contacts the left track, and with the second position the tumbler
contacts the right track. It is vital to understand this relationship when decoding a lock. The key depicted would correspond to a code
bitting 2 1 4 1 3 2 4 5. The right track would be cut 4 5 2 5 3 4 2 1 and the lock combinated B E B A C D B E bow to tip.

SUBARU '08 + # Code Series:

T0001 - T3000 .116" DEPTHS
1 - .292"
.303" 2 - .266
Lishi DAT17 3 - .240
4 - .215
example Incr. - .0256
.774"

MASTER / VALET: Secondary locks have a

.644
.514
.384
.254

STOP

42443 Web - .037

13243 keyway that is warded which prevents an uncut
blank from entering. Valet keys are cut with a
MACS - 2
more obtuse tip angle which creates a section
that is full blank height ahead of the 5th cut position. This prevents the
valet key from entering. Because of the necessary bitting angle for
valet keys, a number 4 cut depth is never used in the 5th position.
Valet Key and Keyway

2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 5

 Sidewinder Key Bitting 2014 Edition DEPTHS
1 - .198"
PONTIAC GTO # Code Series: 2 - .183
H0001 - H3000 3 - .169
1.038" (Approx.) .118"
4 - .154
example 5 - .140
3432525896 .284 6 - .125
Lishi HU43 7 - .111
8 - .096
STOP Odd positions use depths 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 only
.095"

9 - .082
.179
.264
.348
.433
.517
.601
.686
.770
.855
Created By Even positions use depths 2, 4, 6, 8 only
Incr. - .0146
Cutting Process
Web - .040
MACS - 3
PONTIAC G8 / CHEVROLET Caprice 11+ DEPTHS
# Code Series: 1 - .239"
60000 - 62113 .118"
2 - .223
3 - .207
Lishi GM45 example .283 4 - .191
46214313
5 - .176
6 - .160
.948"

STOP
.841
.736
.626
.519
.412
.304
.197

Incr. - .0157
Web .045
MACS - 4
STOP
.724"
.606
.488
.370
.252

INFINITI Q-45 # Code Series:

DEPTHS
0001 - 6000
.118" 1 - .286"
2 - .262
.295 3 - .239
4 - .215
Incr. - .0236
example Master Valet Web - .040
34433 MACS - 2
32211

Valet Cut - Left Track # Code Series:

J,K,L,M 000 - 999 DEPTHS
HONDA Master = 5
Valet = 2 1 - .312"
.118"
1.005"

STOP

2 - .298
.719
.599
.480
.360
.241

3 - .283
.352 4 - .269
5 - .255
6- .241
Keyway of Lock Incr. - .0142
Lishi HON66 Web - .035
NOTE: The uncut center web of the key MACS - 4
example should be .035". If the web exceeds .040",
32115 Key must be cut to #1 depth the cut key will not enter the lock.
12623 to this point in order to bypass
keyway warding In the lock. Some code publishers display this series showing 6 spaces.
Ignore the last space (it is always a #1 depth both tracks). Some
compartment locks do contain a tumbler in the sixth position. The
cut in the 5th position on the right track will only be a#3 or #5 depth.
2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 6
 Sidewinder Key Bitting
2014 Edition

.250"
.376
.502
.628
.754
LAND ROVER 4-Track DEPTHS
RANGE ROVER '95 to '02 1 - .285"
# Code Series:
0001 - 6000 2 - .261
.138" 3 - .234
4 - .202
Web - .040
.298 MACS - None
example Variable Increment!
13212 (.6, .7, .8 mm)
STOP .292
.418
.544
.670
.796
12431 Master Valet
.189"
.315
.441
.567
.692
.818 DEPTHS
BMW 4-Track 1 - .276"
# Code Series:
BH011450 - BH241450
2 - .253
3 - .225
4 - .194
.138"
Web - .040
Lishi HU58 MACS - None
example .285 Variable Increment!
214221 (.6, .7, .8 mm)
STOP
.231
.357
.483
.609
.735
.861

234332
Master Valet

BMW 2-Track
Uniform Width Groove DEPTHS
STOP

MINI COOPER
.984"

.118" (3mm) 1 - .150"

.866
.748
.630
.512
.394
.276
.157

LAND ROVER 2 - .126

# Code Series: 3 - .103
RANGE ROVER '03 + HBA0001 - HBA6000
.118" 4 - .079
Incr. - .0236
Web - .025
Lishi HU92 .321 MACS - 2
Tumblers contact the right track only example
13242213 Master Valet Mini
BMW - Rover Cooper
STOP

BMW 2-Track
.886"
.779
.673
.567
.461
.354
.248
.142

NEW FORMAT '11 + DEPTHS

# Code Series: 1 - .113"
Z0001 - Z6000 ? 2 - .093
.118" 3 - .074
example 4 - .054
Lishi HU100R
24212424 .250 Incr. - .0197
Tumblers contact the left track only Web - .025
Uniform Width Groove MACS - None
.105"
The BMW HU100R key is the reverse format of the common GM HU100 key. This means
the bitting is referenced from the left track, instead of the right track. Like the GM codes, this
is also a "Z" prefix, but the bittings are not the same as the GM "Z" code series. Codes are
not published as of this printing, and the full code range is not certain.
2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 7
 Sidewinder Key Bitting
2014 Edition
DEPTHS

STOP
VOLVO 4-Track '88 - '92 1 - .292"

.715"
# Code Series:

.542

.369

.196
OLD FORMAT 0AAAA - 9XXXX 2 - .272
(Opposing Tumblers Aligned) Note: The tumblers in 3 - .253
the '88 - '92 locks are 4 - .233
diecast zinc alloy. 5 - .214
.118" Incr. - 0197
Web - .040
.293 MACS - None
example *Z - .138
2531
2415
Master Valet

STOP
.763"

VOLVO 4-Track '93 +

.590

.417

.244
DEPTHS
NEW FORMAT 1 - .292"
(Opposing Tumblers Staggerd)
# Code Series: 2 - .267
1V00000 - 5V12295 KM USA
3 - .241
VOLV
GREEN
4 - .216
Lishi NE66 Incr. .0256
The "VOLV" key is used
on construction equipment.
Web - .040
example MACS - None
3124 The keys are all the same
.677

.503

.330

.157

4312 Left Track 1545

Right Track 4231
But these are cut using the
OLD format specification.
VOLVO 2-Track DEPTHS
1.025" (Approx.) # Code Series:
DH0001 - DH4000 1 - .170"
2 - .141
.138" 3 - .112
Lishi HU56 4 - .083
.287 Incr. - .0291
STOP example
Web .040
.105"

31242332
.316
.422
.527
.633
.738
.844
.211

Created By
Cutting Process Master Valet MACS - 2

VOLKSWAGEN / AUDI / PORSCHE

STOP

Uniform Width Groove

.118"
.236
.354
.472
.591
.709
.827
.945

.118" (3mm) DEPTHS

.118" 1 - .150"
2 - .126
.059 3 - .103
.321 4 - .079
.106 Incr. - .0236
Web - .025
Tumblers contact the left track only Master Valet MACS - 2
Lishi HU66
example # Code Series:
EXTENDED CUT 31224231
This is found on certain vehicles which use the transponder HAA 0001 - 8110
to validate an electro-mechanical ignition lock. The cut NAA 0001 - 8110 (Designates valet key)
root is in the same location for all keys, and interacts with
with an element to retain the key in the lock. 2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 8
 Sidewinder Key Bitting
FORD 10-Cut '11 + 2014 Edition
JAGUAR '07 + # Code Series:
10001 - 11500 Ford / Jaguar
VOLVO '05 + 0001 - 4000 Rover
LAND ROVER '05 + 1.102" (approx.) 4000 - 9000 Volvo

example
2453124353
Lishi HU101 DEPTHS
1 - .178"
STOP .110" 2 - .154
.201
.291
.382
.472
.563
.654
.744
.835
.925
Created By .118" 3 - .131
Cutting Process
4 - .107
.2145
FORD 7-Cut '14+ 5 - .084
PEPS Fob Emergency Key Incr. - .0236
.831" (approx.) Web - .038
MACS - 2
# Code Series:
11501 - 13000

This very short blade may present an issue with

example
STOP some duplicators, as tip gauging from the closet
.110"
.201
.291
.382
.472
.563
.654

2124353
Created By position of the key vise may not allow the widened
Cutting Process portion of the blade to be outside the grip range.
One tactic to facilitate duplication is the shim both
the pattern key and blank slightly by the same
distance back from the stop gauge.
GENERAL MOTORS 8-Cut '08 +
SAAB '08 + Tumblers contact the right track only # Code Series:
Z0001 - Z6000

Lishi HU100 Uniform Width Groove

.104"
example DEPTHS
.886"

43122324 1 - .113"
STOP
.779
.673
.567
.461
.354
.248
.142

2 - .093
.118" 3 - .074
4 - .054
.250 Incr. - .0197
Web - .028
GENERAL MOTORS 10-Cut '14 + Trucks MACS - None
Tumblers contact the right track only
Uniform Width Groove
.104"

# Code Series:
example V0001 - V5574
2113424321
1.098"

STOP
.992
.886
.779
.673
.567
.461
.354
.248
.142

2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 9

 Sidewinder Key Bitting
FIAT / MASERATI 2014 Edition .118"
Uniform Width Groove DEPTHS
PIAGGIO

STOP
Approx. .100" (A) 1 - .166"
*
.098"
.297

.201
.303
.405
.508
.610
.713
.815
(B) 2 - .135
# Code Series: (C) 3 - .103
DE0001 - DE11210 (D) 4 - .072
Incr. - .0315
Web - .024
MACS - 2
Lishi SIP22
Tumblers Contact Left Track Only Door
example 1 A Tumblers
31121313
Right Left

* The groove is not actually a uniform

width. Factory keys are cut using a
smaller diameter cutter, and opposing
Locks contain both left and right format tumblers. In the door locks, right format tumblers
are marked with the cut depth, but the left format tumblers are designated with a
corresponding letter (A-D). If you need to remove tumblers from door / compartment locks,
tracks are closer where the bitting is uncrimp the scalp of the core and remove the flat tumbler retainer located underneath.
angled between adjacent cuts that differ
in depth. This may create a problem The ignition lock is sidebar, other locks are not. They are a different form tumbler and are
with a 2.5mm tracer fitting between marked with an opposite scheme as the other locks. This means the left format tumblers
opposing tracks during duplication. have numbers, and the right have letters.
STOP
.730
.626
.522
.417
.313
.209

SMART CAR Uniform Width Groove

.110"
# Code Series:
90001 - 99000 ? DEPTHS
1 / 5 - .131"
.118" 2 / 6 - .107
4 8
3 / 7 - .077
.289 4 / 8 - .042
Web - .037
example Variable Increment!
846382 (.60, .75, .90 mm)
Right Left
8
7 Cut depths 5 - 8 Tumblers can be either left or right format. Left
6 register on format tumblers have the protrusion for contacting
5 the left track the key on the same side as the spring tab,
and right format the opposite. The tumblers are
1 stamped with numbers with the right format tumblers
Cut depths 1 - 4 numbered 1, 2, 3 or 4, and the left numbered 5, 6, 7
2
register on or 8. Locks will contain a combination of both left
example 3
481845 the right track and right format tumblers.
4
These keys are cut with a uniform width internal groove, and DECODING LOCKS: Orientation of the tumblers is unique. To fit a
tumblers alternate contact of the left and right tracks. Two key from a lock, record the numbers stamped on each tumbler.
possible bitting formats are shown, but other bitting formats Then convert the numbers in positions 3 and 6 to the complementary
have been observed (e.g. L R L R R R). The pointers indicate cut according to the depth scheme (e.g. change 1 to 5, 2 to 6, etc.).
tumbler contact on the left and right tracks in the examples.
Therefore, a lock with tumblers stamped 3 8 5 8 4 2 (bow to tip),
The locks use a combination of left and right format tumblers will convert to bitting 3 8 1 8 4 6. The way the bitting is represented
which are turned in different directions. Tumblers in positions here is contrived, as no factory bitting-from-code information is
1,2, 4 and 6 are biased opposite of tumblers in positions 3 available at the time of this printing, nor is the full code range known.
and 6. The way a bitting is presented here requires that you
account for the depth and which track each cut contacts. It is very difficult to properly code original keys for this series
without the use of computerized key machinery.
For example, a #1 depth will be cut almost (but not exactly)
the same as a #8 depth, with the difference being which track
the tumbler registers on. 2004 - Greg N. Brandt, CML Rev. Mar '14 10
 Coding Original Sidewinder Keys
. . . Using Depth Keys
There are various methods of generating sidewinder Begin by duplicating the complete # 1 depth key onto
keys to a specific combination (or cutting by code). A the blank. Follow by selecting the next appropriate
basic method which can be performed with the common depth key. With the sample bitting, # 2 depths are
sidewinder duplicating machine is to use depth keys. used in both odd and even positions. Use the 2-E side
of the depth key and trace the cut for position 8, then
Depth keys are a special set of keys in which each key turn the depth key over and use the 2-O side to trace
has all the same depth cut, for all positions. A set of only cuts for positions 3 and 5.
keys will consist of one key for each depth cut. This
means that if there are four depths used in a particular Continue through the sequence for all applicable
series, there will be four depth keys in the set. depths and positions which pertain to the combination
you are cutting. When completed, you will have a key
which should function, but lacks finished quality.

All sidewinder keys are laser cut (no steeples), which

ensures ease of operation and reduces premature
wear of the lock tumblers. Therefore, it is highly
desirable to optimally contour the bitting. Steeples can
be removed from adjacent cuts of the same depth by
carefully moving the carriage until the cutter just
touches the root of a cut, then cutting away the metal
between. Many machines have a feature allowing you
to lock the x-axis of the carriage which aids this
Each depth key will have the even numbered positions process.
cut on one side of the key, and the odd positions on the
opposite side. The reason is to facilitate creation of a It is also best to modify some of the bitting angles
proper transition between adjacent cuts when tracing between adjacent cuts which differ by only one or two
from a key. depths. Modifying the bitting angle is much more
difficult, but can be done with care. The finished key
will have a smooth transition between adjacent cuts.
.

Certain keys may have special considerations when

originating. For instance, with internally cut keys such
as Lexus, you may need to code the left and right
tracks on separate sides of a blank, then trace each
When cutting any sidewinder key, It is important to track on to another blank for the completed key.
understand it’s characteristics such as how the key
stops, and the number of depths and spaces. The Coding both sides of a key vs. duplicating from the one
process of cutting a Volvo 2-track key to combination side created is an issue. Any time you make a
31242332 will be presented as an example. It may be duplicate from a duplicate, you are likely to affect
advantageous to write the bitting in a way to easily accuracy. Know the accuracy of your duplicator and
discern the odd and even cuts as such: the specifications for the key you are cutting, so that
you may compensate if necessary.
O E O E O E O E
3 1 2 4 2 3 3 2 2008 - Greg N. Brandt , CML 11
 Coding Original Sidewinder Keys
. . . Using Pattern Keys
Sidewinder keys and locks are generally more sensitive After you have created a blank pattern key to the
to wear related problems due to their distinct interaction proper dimensions for the type you are cutting, use the
of the key and tumblers. Factory sidewinder keys are bitting specifications with your code machine to cut the
always laser cut (no steeples), and have the bitting combination you need.
angle optimized between adjacent cuts to minimize
wear.
The classic method of coding original sidewinder keys
is to use depth keys, by tracing each cut position from If you cannot laser cut with your code machine, then
a special set of keys. A problem with originating keys file the steeples by hand on the pattern. You can also
by this method is the lack of control in creating a key adjust the bitting angle by hand filing between adjacent
with ideal contour between the cuts. cuts as necessary.
One alternate method of originating is to create a
pattern key. A pattern key is made from blank material,
and is essentially a silhouette of the bitting for the
sidewinder key. Advantages to using the pattern key
method are the ability to efficiently remove steeples, For proper registration, your pattern must be created in
achieve optimal bitting angle, and make adjustments to a way so there is full blank height supporting the key in
control accuracy. All externally cut 4-track keys may be the vise on the fore and aft end of the combination
easily originated with pattern keys. With some cuts.
exceptions, most other types would need special
preparation, therefore this method is not as practical to
use.
Once the pattern is made, any number of keys may be
traced without affecting accuracy as would be inherent
when tracing from a key generated from depth keys.

Simply duplicate from the pattern to the sidewinder

blank. Most keys will require an additional procedure
of forming the tip lead-in angle. The easiest way to do
this is simply trace the tip area from a factory key. In
particular, the Honda key will require cutting a # 1
depth a certain distance uniformly in front of the first
cut position (see the bitting specification). The key
The Honda sidewinder service key is ideal for making below illustrates a ‘prep key’ which may be used for
most pattern keys. Begin by cutting to the same height this purpose. It also creates the tip lead-in, and a #5
as the blank for the key type you are working with. If depth on the left track, fifth position, which is present
you are creating a key for a type which tip stops, then on all master keys.
blunt and square the tip of the pattern key. If you are
working with a key which uses a shoulder stop, then
form that in your pattern. There is no need to create a
shoulder on both sides of the pattern, but form the
shoulder on the same as the fixed side of the vise of
your duplicator (Matrix - left side, Bianchi - right side). 2008 - Greg N. Brandt , CML 12