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Key Cutting Romford Tips From The Best In The Industry
How to Get a Key Cut by a Key Cutting Machine

You have a few options to duplicate the key. You can utilize a self-service machine in the hardware store or you can find an experienced locksmith.

The key duplicator utilizes an edging tool to hold the original key, and an alignment tool to ensure that it's in line with the cutting blade.

How Keys are Cut

A key cutting machine is an easy-to-use tool for producing keys that can be used as replacements. It can be found at home improvement stores or locksmiths to make copies of existing keys or utilized to create a key that is completely brand new. Before you use a key-cutting machine it is important to know the way it operates. There are many ways to misuse one.

Professionals Use Decoding Tools

If you're seeking to get a key cut by a locksmith, they'll likely make use of a decoding device. This tool lets them determine the depth of the original cuts. This information is then used to create an exact replica of the key. This tool is especially important for older keys that are worn out through daily use.

Professionals Use Dual Key Cutting Machines

There are two primary types of key-cutting machines which are double-sided and single-sided. The latter lets you cut mortice and cylinder keys with the same machine. These machines are popular with DIYers as they can save money because you do not have to buy two separate machines. They are also more precise than machines that just have one side.

Most key-cutting machines work by following a basic principle. The original key is put in a vice and lined up with the cutter. The blank key is then inserted on the other side of the vice, and traced by a separate machine component to create the copy. While this process seems pretty easy to do, it really requires an enormous amount of skill to do correctly.

Many DIYers and amateurs make mistakes when using a key duplicater. new windows romford is not being careful. It is crucial to take the time to examine each key carefully for nicks and scratches, as well as the overall state of the teeth. This will ensure that the key fits the lock properly and isn't stuck inside the lock. It is also essential to verify the alignment of the machine periodically using calibration keys or identical blanks. Keeping the machine clean will help it run better. This simple task will save you a lot of hassles in the end.

Self-Service Key Cutting Kiosks

There are many options available for key copying. Many grocery stores have self-service key making machines which are a fast and cheap solution for those in need of additional keys. These machines can produce key pieces that are defective and are prone to high levels of error. For those who want to make sure that they're getting a high-quality key, professional key cutting services are available.

Most hardware and home improvement stores offer key duplication services. Some stores have a key-cutting machine, while others might have an employee on staff who can do it by hand. In general, these stores can duplicate standard house and office keys, padlock keys and some transponder car keys. It is recommended to check their website or contact them to inquire about a particular type of key.

Walmart offers in-store cutting and copying of keys at their MinuteKey kiosks. The kiosks can copy a wide range of keys for business and residential use, including the majority of Kwikset, Schlage, SC1 Weiser and Masterlock M1 keys. They are unable to duplicate keys for school buildings, keys for cars, keys with high security, or keys marked "Do not duplicate".

Key duplication can also be found in a variety of other retail and home improvement stores. Ace Hardware is the largest chain of hardware stores in North America and most locations offer key duplication services. They can cut standard office and house key as well as certain key fobs. Menards is another home improvement store that has locations all over the United States. Some of their stores feature MinuteKey kiosks, while others have in-store key cutting services.

Kroger Another popular retailer offers key duplication in their stores. MinuteKey kiosks are in their majority of stores. They can create copies of standard keys or brass, as well some specialty keys such as padlocks or key fobs.

Sears, although they aren't an established brand is still present in some places and will cut most standard keys. They also cut custom keys and high-performance keys. Kmart is another major retailer, will also provide cutting keys in-store. They can typically do standard, brass, or hi-performance keys and also specialty keys like padlocks and fobs.

Professional Key Duplicators

Locksmiths who need to duplicate a large number of keys quickly and accurately will find that professional key duplicaters are an excellent investment. They are more efficient than manual-based machines and are extremely accurate. The machines have a computer that can read the code on the key and cut it for you. They are simple to operate since they require little technical knowledge. These machines are easy to operate provided you are able to play angry birds and post on Facebook. Silca Futura Edge & Pro machines are some of the most popular professional duplicators.


Besides cutting keys, these machines also decode them and make keys that aren't in their database. They can be used to cut traditional cylinder keys, and sidewinder or laser style automotive keys. They can also be used to cut tibbe keys and tubular keys as well.

The majority of professional key duplicaters have a vast database that includes over 100 different motorcycle and car brands, in addition to 80 types of single-sided home keys. This means that a professional is able to duplicate almost any key using the help of a key duplicater. They can duplicate keys that have been rekeyed, but are no longer compatible.

Some specialized keys are made to be difficult for duplicaters to cut. This is to protect keys from theft as well as unauthorized replication. The keys are labeled "Do not duplicate" to warn others. However, this warning doesn't have any legal significance.

Another option for creating duplicate keys is to use a pattern grinding. This machine can grind a small amount off the original key to create a blank which can be cut with an ordinary cutter. This process is not as accurate as using a professional duplicator. The keys cut by a pattern grinder are unsteady and therefore are not as reliable as keys made of steel by a professional locksmith.

The right tools are vital to create your own duplicate keys. There are DIY kits available that come with everything you need to make a key duplicate within a matter of minutes. These kits also come with foolproof directions that make it simpler than ever to duplicate keys on your own.

Key Blanks

Key blanks are shaped from metal with slots cut into them to fit various locks. They are typically made of brass or a nickel-brass alloy. Certain key blanks are stamped with information to identify the lock manufacturer and the type of bitting or cross-sectional shape, the blank will need to match in order to work in a particular lock keyway.

For instance, the old-fashioned Arrow keys have sloped straight sides whereas modern Corbin Russwin keys have rounded edges. The key bow, or head of an old-style key is also distinctive. The key bow is recognized by the key cutter and is used to aid in the cutting process.

The majority of keys for houses are made of nickel-silver blanks that are more robust and rigid than other key materials. They are less likely to break. Key blanks made of nickel silver are usually stamped or engraved with the name of the lock manufacturer to make them more recognizable to key cutters. Certain key blanks are labeled as "restricted" or engraved with instructions such as 'Do not duplicate however, they are still legal to duplicate in the event that the proper instructions are followed.

Most key makers only sell or duplicate keys that are keyed identical to a customer's existing locks or padlocks. This ensures that, if a customer loses their key or is damaged, they will have replacements that can be used with their existing locks. The keys are taken out of their locks and loaded into a key duplicator along with the new blanks so that the key maker can create an exact copy of both sides of the key without causing damage to the lock.

Certain manufacturers of lock cylinders will create key blanks with lookalikes in standard keyway sizes to operate their brand name locks if cut correctly. Kaba Ilco, for instance manufactures "LookAlikes" in standard 5-pin or 6-pin keyways that can operate locks of the brand name if cut correctly. This can save the customer the time and money of purchasing the brand name key to work in the lock, if they are able to get it. It also gives them an identical appearance throughout their entire commercial property.

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