How Long Does it Take to Get a House Key Made?
Having spare keys around is important for many reasons, especially in case you find yourself locked out of your house or need a friend to help you get in. Fortunately, several home improvement stores offer key copying services.
Menards also has a few locations that have self-service key kiosks, which can make most basic keys quickly and inexpensively. Click here to see if there is one near you and for current prices.
Type of key
Getting a key copied usually takes just a couple of minutes. The key copier will look at your current key and the blank to decide on the correct one, then insert them into a machine that cuts an exact copy of your key. The type of key that is made is a factor, however.
Cylinder keys, which have bows and long blades in which pins and drivers fit, are the most common type of key used today. Other types include dimple keys, warded keys, and skeleton keys.
Some people try to cut their keys, but it’s generally more economical and faster to go to a store or locksmith that offers this service. House Key Making Service Berkeley machine can also be expensive, so it’s often better to visit a professional for this service. Licensed locksmiths are also insured and can guarantee their work. They’re also better equipped with tools that are designed to keep security in mind.
Locks
Depending on the type of locks that you have, getting a duplicate key could take longer than expected. Some locks, such as those for cars and safes, have more complex pin arrangements that make them harder to copy.
For example, the Kwikset KW1 is one of the most common house keys on the market and uses a 5-pin template. It has level shoulders and a hexagon-shaped head that makes it easy to identify by most locksmiths. The KW10, on the other hand, is a brass key with a curvy head and offset shoulders that are often sold with Kwikset’s upscale products.
These types of keys have two or four pairs of teeth on each side of the key blade and are therefore harder to duplicate. They also offer a higher level of security, making them an improbable target for burglars. For this reason, many homeowners choose to upgrade their mechanically cut house keys into double or four-sided ones by a licensed locksmith.
Additional keys
Having extra keys is always a good idea. You never know when you’re going to lose your key or need to give a spare to a friend or family member who needs access to your home.
You can get a standard house key copied quickly and easily at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Most locksmiths also offer key copying services as well.
Another option is to use a service such as KeyMe, which offers kiosks in various locations that can make a copy of the most common keys. You can even rename any key you create, making it easier to keep track of them.
Some home improvement stores, such as Menards, have self-service key stations that can duplicate most types of keys. You can also find these services at O’Reilly Auto Parts, which has many stores across America. However, you should call ahead to ensure the store has a kiosk available.
Time
Having an extra set of keys is a convenient way to have the ability to access your house if you lock yourself out or want to ensure that a roommate, friend, or family member can get into your home. You can find key-copying services at most hardware and home improvement stores, and some grocery chains offer key-making services as well.
A standard key can be copied in about five to ten minutes, and it is relatively inexpensive. You can also purchase decorative keys with designs like kittens or flowers to add a personalized touch to your keychain and help you “color code” or differentiate your keys from one another.
Car keys are more complex and take longer to make. These types of keys require the Professional locksmiths to remove the lock from the vehicle and work with a new blank to create the duplicate. If you need a car key copied, it is important to call ahead and schedule an appointment.
