Locksmiths find themselves in a lot of tricky situations. Making duplicate keys, repairing broken locks, and unlocking locked doors are just a couple of their many services. But can locksmiths make keys from a lock rather than duplicating a key?
The answer to this question may not be one you think about often, but making a key from a lock is not an uncommon request of a locksmith. So, can it be done? Let’s talk about it.
Why Locksmiths Make Keys From a Lock
If someone is in need of an additional key, why not just have the locksmith duplicate the key? This is a simple fix thanks to the key being intact – and still in the customer’s possession. Unfortunately that is not always the case.
Broken or worn keys. Keys are often sturdy and durable, but they aren’t indestructible. With wear and tear, keys can break off (sometimes in the lock itself) or become worn down. They may be difficult to use to open the door – and eventually stop working entirely.
Lost keys. Another common reason locksmiths get asked to make a key from a lock is that the key is lost. Maybe the keys were left or dropped somewhere, inside a purse that was stolen, or even thrown out with the garbage. You may be surprised at how often these things happen.
For those who don’t have a spare key, this leads to a sticky situation. A locksmith will have to recreate the key from a lock.
How Locksmiths Make Keys From Locks
Just because locksmiths can make keys from locks doesn’t always mean it is an easy task. Quite the contrary. These situations often involve some problem solving and may even require disassembling the residential lock.
Cutting the key based on the code. Every lock has a key code that locksmiths can use to create a new one. This code is a set of characters that give each key its own unique design. Sometimes locksmiths can use worn keys or even the piece of a broken key to put the code together. For some high-end locks, key code cards are provided which makes it easy for locksmiths to cut a new key. That is, assuming one isn’t locked out of the space where the key code card is!
For highly experienced locksmiths, taking the lock apart and cracking the code using the pins and their order as a way to recreate a key. And, finally, calling the manufacturer of the lock in an attempt to get the code may help. Though, these are not always the most direct or easy ways to get the job done.
Take an impression of the lock. While not a simple task, taking an impression of a lock is a much easier thing to do without a code as it doesn’t involve disassembling the lock. It takes a skilled locksmith to effectively make impressions. A blank key will be inserted and turned several times to get the pin impressions before the locksmith is able to cut the new key.
Get Keys Made at Texas Premier Locksmith
Getting into a locked residence without a key – and cutting a new key from a lock – is a job for a skilled and highly-trained locksmith. There are ways to get it done and Texas Premier Locksmith can help.
We have locations throughout the state of Texas that can help you with all types of lockout situations. If you need a key made from a lock, no problem. Give us a call 24 hours a day at 866-948-8188.