HELP: Dropped my only key down a lift

CDR_078 · 15-02-2015, 11:27 PM

Gents, old butter fingers here dropped my one and only key down a lift shaft today. It's for an SZ Territory. OTIS lifts want $350 call out and theres no guarantee they will find it or it's still in 1 piece.

Anyone know what a new one is going to sting me?

Cheers

Itsme · 15-02-2015, 11:47 PM

Are you talking key only or with remote?

CDR_078 · 15-02-2015, 11:53 PM

Key and remote (all in one unit)

Itsme · 15-02-2015, 11:58 PM

You probably would pay the same amount as Otis, this would be supply, key cutting & reprogramming.
Something to think about lift shafts is that they could have water in the bottom of them which could ruin the remote.

**Ratmick** · 16-02-2015, 12:15 AM

Ouch, that must have been a sinking feeling.

How far up we talking here? One floor, twenty floors?

Much more than a couple of floors and I'd be calling Ford in the morning. FWIW I was quoted around $200 for a folding fob-type key for a Fiesta...not a Territory admittedly but my Focus has the same type of key and I think they're pretty common. That was just for the replacement key...not the reprogramming (which is pretty simple).

I'd hate to see what sits under the lifts in the bottom-most part of the basement of any decent-sized building

.

**Captain Stubing** · 16-02-2015, 12:32 AM

As you're in Darwin, perhaps you could call OTIS again, to see if you could expect a small pond at the base of the lift shaft, as Trublu suggested.
The key falling from a great height isn't going to damage it much at all. Drying it out should let it work again, as there are high currents generated from a button cell... prolonged submersion may cause more damage though.

CDR_078 · 16-02-2015, 12:54 AM

Dropped from level 7, heard it hit the deck and sounded like it landed in one piece. Going to get the wife to call tomorrow and lay it on thick.

**Ratmick** · 16-02-2015, 12:58 AM

Well if you didn't hear a 'sploosh' then you may be lucky

dawsman · 16-02-2015, 01:08 AM

Check your insurance policy, they may cover replacement of lost keys. Assuming your excess is less than the replacement cost.

Lunch · 16-02-2015, 05:54 AM

How the eff did u manage to get it through the gap? Surely the gap isnt much bigger than the key itself? Was it a swoosh? Or did u drop it then kick it? I know every1 is probably gunna crack it at me for this but u gotta admit, its kinda funny

335JET · 16-02-2015, 08:25 AM

Im an elevator mechanic but im in Sydney, different company too,
We usually get keys out from lifts for free during the regular maintenance visit however as its your only key, so your abit stuck, also during business hours monday-friday is usually cheaper.

Kieron · 16-02-2015, 04:47 PM

Jam the doors open on the ground floor, bit of string with a decent magnet on the end and a torch, then go fishin ;-)

My wife dropped a garage remote down an car park drain last week, about 8" down and into water, it was fished out and still worked!

Spurious · 16-02-2015, 05:04 PM

Note to self, "lock car, place keys in pocket" !!!

It's a simple choice. Get new keys....x2 this time.

For $350 I wouldn't risk wasting the cash if there's a chance the key is either broken or swimming. Either outcome means a new remote/key anyhow, so save yourself the trouble.
A fall from 7 floors up is a 99% chance it's toast.

BUT ask when the next scheduled service is due on that lift. You may get a freeby if a tech is onsite & you "just happen" to be there & ask for a favour.

Another thing to consider is, do you live in that building or was it a random office block?
I ask 'cause if someone get's their hands on the key & put 2 & 2 together, could spell trouble.
ID'ing cars via remote is dead easy.

Yellow_Festiva · 16-02-2015, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lunch

How the eff did u manage to get it through the gap? Surely the gap isnt much bigger than the key itself? Was it a swoosh? Or did u drop it then kick it? I know every1 is probably gunna crack it at me for this but u gotta admit, its kinda funny

Murphys law :-)

CDR_078 · 16-02-2015, 05:39 PM

Right, seems there's still a few decent tradies out there. Otis bloke was in the CBD this morning so he swung by and grabbed the key. Miraculously in one piece, albeit a bit scratched!!! I'm off to a locksmith this arvo to get a copy...lesson well and truly learnt!!!

**sierra63** · 16-02-2015, 05:55 PM

Great to see a good outcome.
Thanks for letting us know the good news, I am sure you are relieved.

richo77 · 16-02-2015, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kieron

Jam the doors open on the ground floor, bit of string with a decent magnet on the end and a torch, then go fishin ;-)

My wife dropped a garage remote down an car park drain last week, about 8" down and into water, it was fished out and still worked!

You know that replacement garage remotes start from around $5 on ebay?

mik · 16-02-2015, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDR_078

Right, seems there's still a few decent tradies out there. Otis bloke was in the CBD this morning so he swung by and grabbed the key. Miraculously in one piece, albeit a bit scratched!!! I'm off to a locksmith this arvo to get a copy...lesson well and truly learnt!!!

geez what a good bloke, good luck for you.

devilcv8 · 16-02-2015, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDR_078

Right, seems there's still a few decent tradies out there. Otis bloke was in the CBD this morning so he swung by and grabbed the key. Miraculously in one piece, albeit a bit scratched!!! I'm off to a locksmith this arvo to get a copy...lesson well and truly learnt!!!

A good outcome. Now to drop off a carton or 2 as thanks, and it is still cheaper than what you were up for.