If you have a lost key for your house, car, or mailbox and need to get it replaced in a hurry, you might want to call a professional locksmith like the 24/7 Speedy Locksmith Chicago. But what if you’re not near the location of the lost key? Can they make a new one without having access to an original? The answer is yes. Locksmiths can take the original key’s information and create a new one. In some cases, they may even make a new one without ever seeing the original.
What Will Your Locksmith Need To Know?
This is where it can get a little tricky. For one thing, the locksmith must know the make and model of your lock. Without that, he can make a duplicate key. So he will have to visit the manufacturer’s website for more information about your lock. If the manufacturer does not have a website, there should be some detailed information in the owner’s manual or on a sticker affixed to the interior box housing your lock. Look for something like Keyway (shape), Finger Shift (numbering system), Right Hand (meaning left-hand drive), etc.
You should also let your locksmith know if your key was stolen or lost. This way, he can understand what sort of duplicate key he will be making.The locksmith might also request a photo of your lock if you have one. This helps them determine the “shape” of the key as well as some other details, including the thickness or diameter of your shank (the part that extends out from your key).
How Do Locksmiths Make Duplicates?
To make a duplicated key with no original, a locksmith takes measurements from your door jambs and drills holes into those locations in either aluminum or brass jacks that are generally used to hold the jamb in place while the door’s hinges are attached. Here are the three ways that a locksmith can replace your key:
- Cutting The Key To Code
This first method requires access to the lock that your key was cut to fit. For example, let’s say you have a house with Schlage locks. The locksmith will take a piece of Schlage key blank and cut it to match the original key. While this is generally not recommended, it may be an option in extreme circumstances if you have no other options available to restore your business or home access.
- Impressioning The Lock
The second method requires a pair of special pliers called a key impressioning tool. These are used to make an impression of the tumblers inside the lock. The locksmith inserts the impressioning tool into the lock and turns the tumblers. The tool is designed to make an exact impression of the tumblers, and this serves as a template for duplicating your key.
- Disassembling The Lock
This method is destructive as the locksmith must disassemble your lock and remove each tumbler to create an impression. The locksmith then uses that impression in a special duplicating machine (much like the method above) to create your new key. However, this procedure will eliminate the need for the locksmith to take measurements from your door jambs as this method uses an actual make of key from your lock.
However, there is a risk that the locksmith will damage the lock while taking the measurements for your key. This is why you need to find a good locksmith who uses nondestructive methods. This should just be the final option to help you get back into your house, car, or mailbox if all else fails.
How Much Do Locksmiths Charge?
The service cost depends on many factors, including the material cost of making the duplicate key and whether you need to have it cut for you or if you prefer to handle the process yourself. However, you can expect to pay between $30 and $200 for basic duplication services, depending on how skilled your locksmith is or the complexity of your key. In addition, charges may also depend on the kind of lock that you have and whether you’re willing to pay extra for a duplicate for a more expensive one.
If you lose your house key and hurry to get it replaced, your best option would be to call a professional locksmith. Not only is this the most convenient option, but it’s also the safest and most affordable one as well. First, however, be sure to find a locksmith with some experience in making duplicate keys. Your safety and the safety of others are your number one priority, so try to find someone who knows their craft well.