mag switch key

[MoonlightVFR]

I have misplaced the last key for my mag switch.

There is no documentation with any mention of key.

How can I easily solve this dilemma?

1954 C170B , s.n.24633 del. 7-12-54. N2890C.

[edbooth]

Have a 170 flyin near your place. If 6-10 170's show up, it's fairly certain that one of them will have a key that also fits yor plane. Or locksmith ?

[daedaluscan]

I have not tried in the mag, but pretty much any key will open my door lock:)

[Joe Moilanen]

They only made so many different ones, lost mine a while back and the FBO brought a ring of keys out and was going in no time. Didn't charge me for the key because he had several identical ones.

Joe

[flyboy122]

Have you tried contacting Cessna? They might have those records. Otherwise you might be able to find some numbers on the switch and call the switch mfg or google them. Finally, if you are reasonably handy, search "lock impressioning" on the internet. I used to work in a locksmithing business and this really does work, but it does take a bit of know how.

That being said, I'm with the other guys. Chances are another plane's key will work. My plane has a Gerdes switch, which is pretty common. There are probably a half dozen in various planes on the airport or in the FBO's scrap bin.

Why take the key out in the first place? If I wanted to steal a plane, a missing key wouldn't be much of a deterrent.

DEM

[daedaluscan]

They only made so many different ones, lost mine a while back and the FBO brought a ring of keys out and was going in no time. Didn't charge me for the key because he had several identical ones.

Joe

was that at Kelso Joe?

I stop there just as he is such a friendly guy. Arrived last fall for fuel on a hot day and he comes out to the fuel pump with a bottle of cold water for me - how kind is that!

[cessna170bdriver]

I seem to remember an airworthiness directive 20+ years ago to replace some mag switches because the key could be removed in the BOTH position. That, or normal wear and tear, would lead me to believe that there are very few 170s out there with the original mag switches, so even if Cessna kept the records it's unlikely that information would be of any use.

Any locksmith worth his keep should be able to make a key, and should even be able to match the mag switch to the door. I plan to ask Del Lehmann to have this done on mine after he upgrades the door latches for me.

[Joe Moilanen]

They only made so many different ones, lost mine a while back and the FBO brought a ring of keys out and was going in no time. Didn't charge me for the key because he had several identical ones.

Joe

was that at Kelso Joe?

I stop there just as he is such a friendly guy. Arrived last fall for fuel on a hot day and he comes out to the fuel pump with a bottle of cold water for me - how kind is that!

It was at Bellingham where I lost the key while visiting my Daughter up there, she was going to WWU. Denny at my home base at Kelso is a Great guy!

Joe

Joe

[GAHorn]

While door keys are limited in differences....magneto switches are not... there are numerous differences....but any locksmith should be able to re-key it for you.

[bagarre]

My mag key and door key are the same.

[edbooth]

My mag key and door key are the same.

Mine is also. In fact the key also works in the baggage door I installed about 30 years ago.

[mit]

Why take it out?

[n2582d]

Grady,
If you find a key that will slide into the lock (but not open it) you might be able to use SL 65-3 to make all the locks work for that key.