What is Key Duplication?

Key duplication is a process by which a new, identical copy of a key is made. The purpose of this is to provide a backup key in case the original is lost or to give access to a trusted individual, such as a house sitter, cleaner, or family member without compromising the security of your home.

Most people do not know that most hardware stores, including big box stores such as Home Depot, offer key duplication services. Most hardware stores have the equipment to make a regular house or padlock key, but not all have the ability to make car keys or reprogram transponder keys or key fobs. If you want to duplicate these types of keys, it is best to go to a professional locksmith, who will have the specialized equipment needed.

Many homeowners and businesses find themselves needing to get keys duplicated. This can be due to misplaced keys, giving access to a family member or friend, or even losing a key at some point. This is a convenient way to have a spare key for emergencies and can save money by not having to replace an entire lock.

The process of getting a key duplicated is much simpler than most would think. Typically, a key duplication machine is used to cut the new key, using the original as a template. This is usually done on site, but if you don’t have a key machine, many locksmiths will also offer this service for a small fee.

One of the most common ways that a key is duplicated is through a self-service kiosk. These automated machines use laser scanning to determine the type of key and the depths of its cuts and can create a perfect copy within minutes. These devices can usually copy any key, from most standard household and office keys to padlocks, Yale keys, and RFID keys cards/chips.

However, it is important to note that self-service kiosks are not as secure as a fully licensed and insured locksmith. They can only do what is programmed into them, so if someone else finds a way to bypass the security features, they may be able to make copies of any key that is fed into them. It is also important to note that most companies who offer key duplication services do not ask for identification or verify the person’s identity, so a criminal can easily use these machines to copy your keys.

There are a number of reasons why you might need a key duplicated, but it is vital that you take the time to ensure that your keys are in good hands. You can do this by finding out if the locks you have are restricted, “Do Not Duplicate,” or patented, and making sure that your keys do not have that stamp on them. Generally, if a key is stamped with a “Do Not Duplicate” label, it will not be respected by most key cutters, and can easily end up in the wrong hands. key duplication