on all orders over $150*
on all orders over $150*
When it comes to key blanks, the little things are what can get you in trouble. That's definitely the case for this tricky big rig key blank.
WHY THE K1994 DOESN’T WORK?
If you've been in the lock and key industry for any amount of time, you're probably familiar with this key. It is the K1994 key for Peterbilt and Kenworth keys. A key that you no longer need to stock because in 2013-ish Peterbilt and Kenworth started changing their cab designs.
When they changed the cab designs, they kept using the same key way per se but recessed the lock cylinder of the door handles. And when they did that, they lengthened the key that goes in, so there's enough room for the head to clear to turn the key. Now, the blade of your standard K1994 key is not long enough to go all the way in and still have clearance for the head to turn the key.
The reason this can be a little tricky and deceiving is that when you look at the two keys, the only difference is the length. The head looks identical - it's the same shape, blade, and the keyway.
When it comes to the aftermarket world, we're used to having keys that may look a little different. It can be a tad bit shorter or a tad bit longer, and it's the nuance of it. That can get us in trouble when we go grab one off the shelf and duplicate it quickly.
Fun fact: Although the K1194 will not fit into the door because of the recessed cylinder, it will still work in the ignition. As you can see in this picture, there is still plenty of room for you to put your key in and turn it.
WHAT WILL WORK?
We have talked about and identified why the K1194 does not work on the 2013-ish plus Peterbilt and Kenworth. Let's talk about the key that does. The two options for you are the metal headed version (part number K1995) and the plastic headed version, which is essentially identical to the OEM key minus having the logo on it.
The K1994 and K1995 can be a little tricky and deceiving because when you look at the two keys, the only difference is the length. The head looks identical - it's the same shape, blade, and the keyway.
When it comes to the aftermarket world, we're used to having keys that may look a little different. It can be a tad bit shorter or a tad bit longer, and it's the nuance of it. That can get us in trouble when we go grab one off the shelf and duplicate it quickly.
Fun fact: Although the K1194 will not fit into the door because of the recessed cylinder, it will still work in the ignition. As you can see in this picture, there is still plenty of room for you to put your key in and turn it.
The best thing to do is to stop stocking and buying the K1994 and replace it with the K1995.
Point is it's one of those small things that you can easily skip. Buy when you need to cut a quick key, and then, you run into problems that you don't know why. We have them in stock, so check the links of these keys. I'd love to know what you think. Comment of the video and make sure to include the #LockBoss to automatically get entered in to win one of five free prizes we give away on YouTube. Thank you, and we'll see you next time.
