CF-28 Key

The Metal Key to lock and unlock the CF-28.....

Are all keys the same? Do they all have the same tumbler settings in the locks?

Thanks

 

I would recommend you contact Panasonic at 1-800-211-PANA (7262)
and explain to them the whole situation, they might be able to provide you with a key.

 

The keys are all the same... Blank wise... But not tumbler wise. It takes a specialty key that I have heard is close to impossible to find. I've been looking for blanks as I have a few locks I'd like to make keys for. I've been to two locksmiths so far that have no idea what the blank is. When you tell them it goes to a laptop they have a, "Well... There you go!" look on their face.

It's actually a very lame security precaution.... A strong password is 100X as strong as the lock idea!

 

What's up with the Dell guys... Uh... Panasonic will NOT provide you with a key...

 

Do you have keys?

 

...and from earlier posts regarding the keys, it only locks the lid closed, and is pretty easy to get around anyway. It doesn't disable anything and won't stop anyone from using your laptop once they get it open. Pretty useless if you ask me.

 

I have keys for my 600 that I'm selling, but that was a 1 out of a 100 lucky score. You can buy keys for specific models for $50 from somewhere, but I can't find the link right now... but they are fairly useless.

Toughbook; Damn those dell people... they always give bad advice.

*grabs a newspaper and whaps the dell people on the nose*

 

Dangit - I just got off the phone with panisonic - :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

God I love the Dell Guys - of only I could look at life with such simplicity -

 

I don't think it locks the lid closed... It keeps you from rotating the switch to the ON position. All you need to do is to replace the lock with the non-lock switch and you get around it. There is no secret there. Or just jump the two wires to turn it on... It's not rocket science... But it does have a certain "coolness factor" for some reason.

 

Pappy
"Imagines inscrutable far eastern dell guy thinking I'd rather have nukey(pronounced like nookie), than nokey"

 

Can someone post a few pictures of a key please

 

Do a google search on "dimple key" and you will see what they look like. The locks were only available on the Cf-28 600mhz units. Panasonic discountinjued them on the 800mhz and 1ghz units. Now they just have an empty cylinder with a cam shaft. It would be possible to adapt the lock from a 600mhz unit to a later model but it would require some drilling and an new latch for the hd access panel. The lock locks out the power switch and also locks the bottom panel preventing acces to the hard drive or power switch contacts. It may be easily defeated but not without causing significant damage to the laptop. But then again any lock can be defeated.

 

I don't know about any damage... I'm still able to pry the panel off with my bare hands. The slider closest to the lock (the one that holds the bottom panel on) just becomes harder to move, but a little of the magic Modly action, and bam.

I don't think this technically violates the forum rules about bypassing security, because any guy that has tough hands that doesn't know the lock is there will get it open, and from there... you can figure the rest out.

I'll add a picture of the keys.

 

Ok, so i have seen these types of keys before. We use them at work for high security doors with vault like retractable pins. Granted its a larger and more advanced version but same principle.

First, yes they are a hard blank to find because they are custom made.

If you want blanks made you will have to look around and pretty much go to every locksmith you can find. Your best bet is to find a store that sells vaults and specialty locking systems.

They could most likely custom make you a key. Might cost you something like $50 though

 

Modly, can you send me a better high res picture of the keys, or if someone has a lock with keys for sale, PM me. With a better picture I can ask around, on a few of the Lock, Security websites I am a part of... Since I am a Locksmith by trade, I may be able to find out the TRUE SOURCE of these locks / keys, as Panasonic would have purchased them from another supplier. Perhaps offshore from a company like this one..... (google search found this):

http://www.lock.com.tw/e/029012747/next-01d.htm

http://www.servicecentralinc.com/locks.html

They are defiantly a dimple key similar to ones made by DOM, Europa, and others.

A locksmith that works with Dimple keys may have a machine to duplicate or cut new keys... first we need to find the original supplier and I can find out if they will release the code list that corresponds with the code stamped on the key to specific cuts on the blanks.... some manufacturers will provide this information and supply key blanks to security professionals... others like to keep the info in house.

Let me look into this further....

 

They are made by takigen.

 

I'll borrow a camera and take a better photo. My camera is as blurry visioned as every girlfriend I've had... (They must have been blind, I swear )

 

So what is Heartlands and / or Panasonic's story on getting replacement locks and keys.... have they BOTH discontinued support of the locks AND keys, or are people just looking for a cheaper source?

 

From what we have been told (by other posters) is that you can get new locks and keys but the cost is something like $500 if i remember correctly

 

Is that from Heartland or Panasonic, because at $500 that sounds like they are manufacturing the lock on order....or just making one HELL of a profit!

 

Pretty sure it was Panasonic

 

I saw them for $50 at one source, but it was for select keys only (You get them by a two digit code on the key). They made some 50+ keys, and only 25-30 were available. Not sure if that was a pair or not, but if I had a 600 without keys, I wouldn't worry about getting them.