I've seen similar aftermarket keys with bound/formed on heads at real locksmiths (not hd or lowes or Walmart).

Not sure if they were steel or not though.

I have Krazy glued the replacement ones before to better stiffen them up. That's the real issue, they bend and fatigue.

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

If only someone could make a metal key head

Twist near the base every time and they will never fail.

There was a guy on hers who made some wood ones I believe?

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1982 300D Turbodiesel, daily driver. Mods so far: Fram 8038 paper filter, 4 brake light mod, Gen II w126 (front) rotors/calipers, boost turned up to 12lbs, non-egr manifolds, water/methanol injection, 4-speed manual
1980 300SD Turbodiesel, project car, nearly ready to hit the street

1974 240D, New paint