How Locksmiths Craft a Duplicate Key Without the Original

Professional automotive, commercial, or residential locksmiths will use specialized techniques such as impressioning and code cutting to create a duplicate key without the original, so don’t worry about being locked out after you have lost or broken your keys. Let’s learn more about the methods locksmiths use to duplicate a key, as well as some things you might need to provide to the locksmith as proof of your ownership.

Why Might People Need to Copy a Key Without Having the Original?

Did you lose your keys? Or did they break inside the lock? Let’s take a look at different reasons why you might need a locksmith to make a duplicate key without the original.

• Lost or misplaced keys: You might have lost the keys to your home or car and need urgent entry. This is the most common reason to duplicate a key. 

• Broken or worn keys: Keys can wear down or break in locks over time due to metal fatigue or corrosion. Locksmiths can recreate a copy based on the lock design after broken key extraction.

• Inherited property or second-hand purchases: When you buy an old property, safe, or vehicle, the original keys might not be available.

• Emergency access situations: Sometimes you need family members, tenants, or staff to have access, and you need multiple copies of a key without having the original one. 

• Antique or specialty locks: Some very old vintage locks are no longer supported, so making a duplicate can help keep the function without replacing the entire mechanism.

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Methods Locksmiths Use to Create a Duplicate Key Without the Original

Locksmiths use various methods and employ specialized techniques to copy a key even when the original one is missing. Here are the techniques they mainly use to craft a duplicate key without the original:  

Impressioning

In this method, locksmiths will use a blank key, insert it into a lock, and gently turn it while applying pressure. The pins or wafers inside the lock leave some small marks or impressions on the blank key. These marks tell the locksmith which parts need to be cut, and a working duplicate is made after some testing and refining. Impressioning works on most standard locks without the need to remove them, but requires patience.

If you want to learn how you can change a door lock, take a look at Change Door Lock for step-by-step instructions. 

Code Cutting

Here, the key is duplicated using the key code that is available on the lock, key tag, or provided documentation. Key codes are a combination of numbers and letters indicating the location and depth of the cuts needed. Locksmiths utilize specialized machines that use these key codes as blueprints and perform the required cuts on a blank key. It’s fast and accurate, but requires access to the key code.

Decoding the Lock Mechanism

You are locked out of your vehicle and call a mobile locksmith. Unlike the impressioning and code cutting methods, they will remove the lock, read the internal configuration (the required cut depths or the positions of the pins/wafers), and understand how exactly it operates without destroying the cylinder. Then, the duplicate key is made by cutting a blank key.

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Things You Might Need to Provide to the Locksmith Before Duplicating a Key

Make sure to prepare the items below before hiring a locksmith to make a duplicate key without the original, so they can create a functioning key quickly and efficiently.

1. Some proof of ownership or identification that proves you have the right to duplicate the key. This prevents legal troubles. 

2. The lock itself or access to it, so the locksmith can analyze its mechanism to do impressioning or decoding.

3. Provide the key code if available to help the locksmith cut the key precisely and quickly.

4. Details about the lock type inform the locksmith about the type of lock and help them select the right methods.

5. Provide damaged key pieces if available, so the locksmith can reconstruct the cuts needed for the duplicate.

6. Permission for restricted keys might be required if the key is a part of a restricted key system or needs permission from the property owner, landlord, or manufacturer.

Read more: “How Locksmiths Verify Proof of Ownership for Lockouts”

Lost a Key? Professionals Can Make a Duplicate Key Without the Original

It’s stressful to be in situations where you need urgent entry to your house or vehicle, and suddenly find out that you have lost your keys. A skilled locksmith can come to the rescue using skills and methods to craft a duplicate key without the original. If you are locked out of your house and need an emergency locksmith, 247 GTA Locksmith comes to help you with 24/7 services and skilled professionals. Hire a locksmith now at Emergency Locksmith GTA. 

FAQ

Have you ever needed a locksmith to make a key without the original? Share your experience or ask your questions in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!