Locks secure homes, cars, and property, while keys provide access to authorized individuals. But few people ever consider how keys are made. What happens if you lose a key, or need an extra one for a new roommate or visiting a friend? Fortunately, through the process of key cutting, a locksmith can easily provide a back-up or replacement set of keys for just about anything with a lock. 

How Does the Key Cutting Process Work?

Key cutting machines come in various makes and models, but all work on the same principle. One vice holds the original key near a guiding device while another holds a blank key near a cutting blade. Out of an inventory of hundreds, your locksmith will select a blank key that is most similar in material, size, and appearance to the original. 

He will then trace the guiding device along the edge of the original key, precisely measuring each groove, while the blank key is simultaneously run along the cutting blade which is spun by an electric motor. The guide ensures that the blade cuts an exact replica of the original key. The process usually takes less than five minutes, but for more complex keys, it can take as long as half an hour.

What Keys Can Be Duplicated?

A locksmith can make copies of almost all types of keys, including house, safe, file cabinet, padlock, and even skeleton keys. Though the key cutting process makes an almost perfect copy, it will contain tiny imperfections. 

If a copy is used to make another duplicate, those imperfections can be exaggerated in the new key, increasing the risk that it will not work properly. Therefore, always try to use the original key when making duplicates.

Car keys for most makes and models older than the early 2000s can be duplicated. But due to advances in technology, such as keyless remotes, many modern car keys must be created by the manufacturer. Consult your dealership if you need an extra or replacement car key. 

Can a Key Be Cut Without the Original?

If you have lost the original key, or it has become too worn to be accurately copied, it is still possible to make a duplicate. In these instances, a locksmith will use a device called a code cutter to measure the grooves inside the lock to which the key fits. This information will be entered into the key cutting machine to produce an accurate copy of the original. 

When you need an extra set of keys, call the trusted professionals at A-1 Alabama Key & Locksmith in Tuscaloosa, AL. This licensed, bonded, and insured local business has offered residential and commercial locksmith services for more than 40 years. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, call them today at (205) 758-8000 or visit them online for more information.