How Locksmiths Make New Keys From Locks

How Locksmiths Make New Keys From Locks

The work of locksmiths is oftentimes considered less important than it truly is. Until we are confronted with some sort of a lock or key emergency, most of us do not truly consider what a locksmith does for a living, nor do we spend any time thinking how they could simplify our lives by making our homes, vehicles or businesses safer. Among the numerous skills that a locksmith has, we can mention the ability to make new keys using old locks. Yes, you could get a brand new key for your old desk front door or warehouse entryway even if all you have left is the lock itself and no other key.

Want to learn more about this process? These next few lines should provide you with all the details you need, whether you are simply curious about how it works or if you are eager to start a career as a locksmith yourself.

When Are Locksmiths Required To Cut A New Key From A Lock?

How Locksmiths Make New Keys From LocksLock technicians are usually hired to cut new keys relying solely on the existing lock when customers need new locks, be it for new household members, renters, new employees or children who are old enough to carry and use a key on their own. More often than not, however, locksmiths will not have to worry about making new keys using the locks, since most people will still have the original keys or duplicates they will be able to use.

At times, the existing keys are damaged or worn-out to such a degree that they cannot be used for duplication purposes. Also, keys that have been forced inside a jammed keyway or keys that have suffered various traumas are likely to break and be rendered useless.

These are some of the main reasons why a locksmith will need to make new keys using old locks and no original keys as samples. If you are currently in one of these situations and you would like to know if it is possible for a lock technician to help you regain access to your property, the short answer is “yes”. The long answer is “it's more complicated than you might think”. That is why it is a smart idea to get in touch with a reliable locksmith service that is authorized and experience in lock-based key cutting. The 24/7 ASAP Locksmith team specializes in this type of work. Get in touch with us if you need help with your broken or missing key or you are dealing with any other kind of security issue we can help you with.

How Do Locksmiths Make New Keys From Locks?

Depending on the type of lock you need new keys for, its current state and any particularities it might have, the process can be more or less lengthy and complex. The general rule of thumb is the following: it is more difficult for a locksmith to cut a new key using a lock instead of an actual key as a model.

Here are a few of the main solutions that locksmiths can use to create these duplicate keys based on existing locks:

Make An Impression Of The Old Lock

This means that, instead of using a code to cut a new key with, they need to impress the old lock. This does not require them to fully disassemble the cylinder and it is one of the fastest and most convenient solutions most lock technicians will use. At the same time, it is also one of the most complex and difficult to learn processes, which means only skilled locksmiths with lots of experience in the field will be able to get the job done fast and hassle-free. It involves a lot of fine, detailed finishes and prolonged practice. In order to impressionable a lock, a technician needs to introduce the right key blank into the lock and turn it in order to bind the pins inside the cylinder. This will result in having the right sections that will be filed sown on the blank displayed accordingly. The process must be repeated until all pins are properly market on the blank. Locksmiths can rely on tapping, pulling and other techniques to get the right markings. Key blanks, vice grips, and pippin or 6-inch Swiss number 4 files are the main tools needed in the process. Some key banks are sturdier than others. For example, blanks made of aluminum will crack faster when subject to pressure. Steep blanks are much sturdier. Locksmiths mush show proof of excellent balance and patience and know just when and how to apply the right kind of pressure for a successful process. Too much pressure can ruin the key and they will need to start over.

They make a new key to code

This is one of the simplest ways of cutting new keys using locks, even though it is not the highest recommended solution for customers as well. Key codes refer to lock characteristics that enable technicians to cut keys that are suitable for the respective locks. A locksmith can either use bitting code or blind code to get the job done. Bitting codes are used most often, even though the process might not always be an efficient one. This happens when a locksmith cannot use the needed code when the original key is missing. The code is usually found on the surface of the original key or written down on a card in case of high-security locks.

If none of these options is valid, locksmiths might still be able to reach the lock and identify the bitting code by using the model of the lock and doing a search in a specialized database or getting in touch with manufacturers or sellers. This important step of the process can only be completed by authorized or licensed locksmiths since the majority of manufacturers will frown upon releasing this sensitive information to other people.

If we are talking about a cabinet lock. On the other hand, the locksmiths' job will be seriously simplified. These locks come with their codes clearly marked on the surface of the locks, which makes key cutting a lot easier.

The code cuter is the primary tool used in the process and it enables technicians to make keys using locks when the code can be used. There are different models of code cutters on the market. All of them allow locksmiths to create keys that comply with the general standards in the industry. One of the most critical stages of the process is the insertion of the key blank into a cutter and making sure the right blade is used. For this, experts need to measure the necessary dimensions on the lock they new key will be used on.

They disassemble the lock

If it is not possible to cut a new key to code, locksmiths will disassemble the cylinder in an attempt to reverse the key's bitting by using the pins' height and the alignment. The process is more complicated and it involved the risk of completely damaging the lock in case of improper disassembling.

What Customers Say About Us

247 ASAP Locksmiths Testimonial
Mark G.
Crockett Blvd

The keys to my office went missing, just disappeared last night. I was so frustrated, besides for being embarrassed in front of my employees, I also didn’t want to lose money due to the delay. I called for a locksmith and Justin came over straight away, he suggested re-keying the lock, in case my keys were stolen, I thought this was a great idea, and that’s what we did, he then made new keys for me on the spot.

247 ASAP Locksmiths Testimonial
Tyler Goodman
Wilshire Blvd

My office is in Los Angeles and I often need to meet people. So the day my office door stopped to work, I was both sad and upset. My secretary called for me 247 ASAP Locksmiths and I was pleased from the fast job and professional education the guy from Locksmiths have. My work day was safe!

247 ASAP Locksmiths Testimonial
Sophia Tucker
98th Street

Unexpected situations are always embarrassing and upsetting… especially if you have no time at all! When I realized my garage door wasn’t working I nearly got a heart attack! After a few minutes, I got a great idea and I called 247 ASAP Locksmiths: the guys arrived on time and did an excellent job!