When you're dealing with U-Haul padlocks, identifying the right key blank can be a bit of a mystery. These locks can resemble everything from Abus to Master to Y-series keys, making it tricky for locksmiths to pinpoint the correct blank right away. But fear not! We've cracked open some U-Haul padlocks and run them through the identiKey system to uncover their true identity.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process we used to identify and test these padlock keys—perfect for locksmiths looking to sharpen their U-Haul key identification skills. Let’s dive into what we discovered!
The Process: Identifying U-Haul Key Blanks
1. First, Purchase Some U-Haul Padlocks
Just like any curious locksmith, we started with a trip to the local U-Haul store. Once we got our hands on a variety of padlocks, we brought them back to the shop for testing.
2. Key Identification via identiKey
We ran the keys through the identiKey tool to see what blanks we were working with. Here’s what we found:
Y1: One of the U-Haul padlocks we tested was surprisingly fitted with a Y1 key blank. This was unusual because Y1 blanks are typically larger, but after testing, it turned out to be a match.
Y52: Another lock appeared to match a Y52 blank, and the identiKey tool confirmed this suspicion. The grooves and patterns all lined up perfectly.
M1: This was a straightforward case. One lock was a clear fit for the M1 blank—no surprises there.
M12 and M13: These two blanks were a bit trickier, but after running the padlocks through identiKey, it revealed that both blanks fit two different sizes of the same lock.
3. Testing and Cutting the Keys
After identifying the blanks, we grabbed the corresponding key blanks from the workshop and proceeded to cut them.
Y1: Despite its larger size, it fit the lock perfectly. It was a bit surprising to see a Y1 in such a small padlock, but hey, it worked!
Y52: No issues here. Once cut, the Y52 key performed flawlessly.
M1: The M1 blank was a breeze to cut and fit, living up to its reputation as a reliable and commonly used key.
M12 and M13: These two were slightly more challenging to identify due to their similarities, but the final cuts worked like a charm.
4. Final Results: Every Lock Unlocked
At the end of the process, we had a full set of successfully cut keys for every U-Haul padlock tested. From the larger Y1 to the smaller M12, every lock was matched to its perfect key blank.
Key Takeaways for Locksmiths
If you're ever handed a U-Haul padlock and tasked with identifying the key blank, here’s what you need to know:
Y1 and Y52 blanks: Often used in U-Haul padlocks, so keep these blanks in stock.
M1, M12, and M13: These Master key blanks are also popular for U-Haul padlocks, with the M13 being a shorter version of the M12.
identiKey is your best friend: Running these keys through the identiKey tool is a fast and accurate way to determine the correct blank.
Don’t trust the head of the key: The head of the key can be misleading! Sometimes, the same key has different head designs, which can throw you off if you're just eyeballing it.
Common U-Haul Key Blanks:
Y1
Y52
M1
M12
M13
FAQs for Locksmiths
Q: What if identiKey doesn’t give an exact match?
A: Sometimes, identiKey might give several possibilities, or none at all. In these cases, try using the closest match, or look up the code on the key if it’s available.
Q: Are U-Haul padlocks compatible with standard blanks?
A: Yes, U-Haul padlocks typically use standard key blanks like Y1, Y52, and M-series keys.
Q: Can the same padlock use different key blanks?
A: It’s rare, but possible. Always test and verify by cutting the key and fitting it to the lock.
Conclusion: Solving the U-Haul Key Mystery
We’ve taken the guesswork out of identifying U-Haul padlock keys. Whether it’s a Y1 or an M13, you now have a clearer idea of which key blanks to use for these locks. Always keep your identiKey tool handy, stock up on these common blanks, and you’ll be unlocking U-Haul padlocks with confidence!
Article by PJ Slauson
In 2004, PJ Slauson (then only 19 years old) was working as a locksmith for his dad’s locksmith company and going to college. His dad had a little DBA side business selling locksmith supplies to locals. He had a few shelves in the back of his key shop with some keychains and padlocks which PJ started selling online to make a little extra money.He quickly sold out, eventually PJ decided to setup his own website, and clksupplies.com took off immediately.
