When I look at my OE Neiman key, I see that it's all one color, all the way through. Silver. When I look at the bent aftermarket keys I have laying around, all of them are gold colored between the two silver faces.

I've had the generic versions break in a matter of months. The Neiman lasted for about 4 years, at which time I installed a momentary switch for the starter. I still use that one and it's not bent.

When I got the blanks, I visited two locksmiths who refused to cut the Neiman blank before finding one that didn't mind doing so; and he told me that they're a harder material than the aftermarket replacements. It's not my assertion. It's the assertion of someone who's been in the business for decades and likely knows more about what keys are made of than either you or I do.

I don't think anyone intentionally makes substandard blanks. I do think that the spring in the Neiman cylinder is stronger than it needs to be AND that people often don't fully insert the key before turning.

I don't know what I did to offend you or when.

Cameron
Rose City