a portable hand - held device for code cutting notches in a key blank by a punching mechanism permits quick and easy modification to accommodate key blanks of different configurations and keys requiring different notch depth , notch spacing and notch angle . a key - gripping vise slidably held by a carriage moves transversely to the punch to achieve proper notch spacing . the carriage is controllably moved to different heights above the punch by detents in a circular drum , whereby the depth of the notch is determined . the punch rod and matching anvil may be replaced to achieve a different notch angle .