What is Key Cutting?

Get the low down on Key Cutting by a Locksmith

How are keys made?

Keys are made by using a machine called a key duplicator. Your unique key is place carefully in a tool called a vice on one side of the key duplicator, which is aligned with the cutting instrument (or edge), and a clear key is put into the vice grip on the machine that lines up with the tool. This special part of the machine is a piece of metal that is even with the sharp edge. To assure that the keys are even with one another, a key aide lines them up perfectly.

Once the key duplicator is turned on, the guide takes the blade around the original key to cut into the clear key. After the key is cut, the locksmith will sand the edges and the end result is a copy key that matches the first.

It is easy to use the right blank key for a private key. A locksmith service will try to choose a blank key that is as much like the original as possible.  If an old key is used, it can still be effectively used and recognizable.

Can I use a duplicate key to duplicate

It is critical that the key used to create a duplicate from be in satisfactory condition before another can be created from it. Some keys suffer too much wear and tear to create an effective key that will operate properly.

How much time does it take to cut a key?

An expert locksmith can precisely copy a standard key in only a couple of moments. To cut a more complicated key can require as long as 25 minutes. What amount of time it requires to get a key replicated could rely upon where you go to get your key duplicated.

Where should you get your key cut (made)?

While it's true that the large box stores now conveniently offer key cutting along with their million other offerings, it is not guaranteed that they calibrate their machines frequently enough. We recommend going with a locksmith for key cutting so you know you are getting a precisely cut key that will last a long time. Locksmiths are trained to do it properly, where the employee and your local depot store may have only received a 45 minute training. So even though it may cost more with a trained specialist, you know you'll get your keys cut properly the first time around.

What if I don't have the original key?

It is possible to create a duplicate key without the original. If the original is very worn from use over time, you best go to a professional locksmith who will use a code cutter for the purpose of identifying the groove depth of your lock's key code. The key code gives your locksmith the information necessary to create the key that is the correct match.