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5 Key Cutting Romford Lessons From The Pros
How to Get a Key Cut by a Key Cutting Machine

If you're looking for a key duplicated, you have some choices. You can use self service machines at an hardware store or a locksmith.

The key duplicator uses an edging tool to hold the original key and an alignment tool to make sure that it's aligned with the cutting blade.

How do you cut keys? Keys are cut

A key cutting machine can be used to produce replacement keys. It is used in stores for home improvement as well as by locksmiths to make copies of keys they have already made or create a completely new key. Before using a key-cutting machine, it's important to understand how it works. There are a myriad of ways that you can misuse one.

Professionals Use Decoding Tools

If you're planning to have the key cut by locksmiths, they'll most likely make use of a decoding device. This tool will allow them to determine the depths of the initial cuts. This information is then used to create an exact duplicate of the key. This tool is particularly important for older keys, which have been worn down due to the use of daily.

Professionals Use Dual Key Cutting Machines

There are two main types of machines: double-sided and single-sided. The latter lets you cut both mortice and cylinder keys using the same machine. window replacement romford are popular among DIYers because they save money by not having to buy two separate machines. They are also more precise than single-sided machines.

The majority of key-cutting equipment operates using a basic principle. The key that was cut is put into a vice and lined up with the cutter. A blank key is placed on the opposite side of the vice, and it's then traced by a different part of the machine, which produces a copy of the original. While this method appears foolproof, it actually takes an enormous amount of experience to master.

Many DIYers and non-professionals make mistakes when using a key duplicater. The most common mistake is not being vigilant. Be sure to look over each key for any nicks scratches, scratches, and the condition of the teeth. This will ensure that the key fits correctly into the lock and is not stuck in the locking mechanism. Also, it's essential to check the machine alignment frequently using calibration keys or blanks that are identical. Keeping the machine clean will also make it work better. This simple task can save you lots of headaches later on.

Self-Service Key Cutting Kiosks

There are a lot of options when it comes to key copying. Many supermarkets have self-service key making machines that provide a cheap and easy solution for those who want to make some extra keys. These machines can produce keys that are not correct and come with a high percentage of error. Professional key cutting services can be utilized by those looking for a high-quality key.

Most home and hardware shops offer key duplication. Some stores have a key-cutting machine while others might have an employee who can cut keys by hand. Generally, these stores can duplicate standard house and office keys, padlock keys and some transponder keys for cars. If you have a specific type of key, you'll need to contact them or go to their website to ensure they can do what you need.

Walmart's MinuteKey kiosks offer key cutting and copying services in-store. The kiosks can copy keys for commercial and residential keys, including the majority of Kwikset and Schlage keys, some SC1 Weiser keys and the Masterlock M1. They are unable to duplicate keys for schools keys for cars, keys for car keys, keys with high security, or keys that say "Do not duplicate".

Key duplication can also be found in other popular retail and home improvement stores. Ace Hardware is North America's largest chain of hardware, and provides key duplication at most of its locations. They can cut most standard house and office keys as well as some key fobs. Menards has a variety of locations throughout the United States. Most of their locations have key-cutting facilities in-store, and some even have MinuteKey kiosks.

Kroger is another popular store that provides key duplication services in their stores. MinuteKey kiosks are available in all of their stores. They can make copies of standard keys, brass keys and also some special keys such as padlocks or key fobs.

Sears Although they're not a huge name anymore there are still some locations and will cut most standard keys. They can also cut some high-performance keys and custom design keys. Finally, Kmart is another large retailer that sometimes offers key-cutting services at the store. They usually cut standard, brass or high-performance keys as well as special keys such as padlocks and key fobs.

Professional Key Duplicators

Locksmiths who have to duplicate large numbers of keys quickly and accurately will find that professional key duplicators make a great investment. These machines are faster and more accurate than manual originating machines. They have an electronic computer that can read the code on the key and cut it for you. These machines are easy to operate because they require no technical expertise. These machines are easy to operate when you are able to play angry birds and post on Facebook. Silca Futura Edge & Pro machines are among the most well-known professional duplicators.

These machines can not only cut keys, but also decode and create keys that are not in their database. They can be used to cut traditional cylinder keys, and sidewinder or laser-like automotive keys. They can also be used to cut tibbe or tubular keys too.

The majority of professional key duplicators have a huge database that includes over 100 different motorcycle and car brands, in addition to 80 kinds of single-sided home keys. This means that a professional can duplicate almost any key with the aid of a key duplicator. They can duplicate keys that were rekeyed but are not compatible anymore.

Some specialized keys are made to be difficult for duplicaters to cut. This is to safeguard them from theft and unauthorised reproduction. These keys are often marked as "Do Not Duplicate" to warn others against doing so. However, this message doesn't have any legal weight.

Another option to create a duplicate key is to use a pattern grinding. The machine will shave only a tiny amount of the original key to create a blank which can be cut with an ordinary cutter. However, this process isn't as secure as using a professional key duplicator. Keys that are cut by a pattern-grinder tend to be unstable, which means they're not as safe to use as steel keys that have been cut by locksmiths.

The right tools can make all the difference when it comes time to create your own duplicate key. Luckily, there are now several DIY kits that are available that include all the hardware needed to create a replica key in a matter of minutes. These kits come with simple instructions, making it simpler than ever to create a replica key.

Key Blanks

Key blanks are shaped from metal that have slots made out of them, so they can be inserted into various locks. They are typically made of brass or a nickel-brass alloy. Some key blanks are stamped with information that helps identify the lock manufacturer and the type of bitting, or cross-sectional profile, the blank will need to be able to match to function in a particular lock keyway.

Old-fashioned Arrow keys, for example, have straight sides with slope. The latest Corbin Russwin key have rounded edges. The key bow, or head of a key that is old-fashioned is also distinctive. The key bow is easily recognized by key cutters and is used to guide the cutting process.


Most keys for homes are made from blanks that are made of a strong nickel silver material, which is more durable and sturdy than other key materials, making them less likely to break. Nickel silver blanks are usually engraved or stamped to identify them to key cutters. Some key blanks may be identified as "restricted", or engraved with instructions such as "Do not duplicate," but they are still legal to copy as long as you follow the right instructions.

Many key makers only sell duplicate keys that's keyed the same as a customer's current locks or padlocks. This ensures that when customers lose or damage their key, they'll be able to get replacement keys that work with their existing locks. The original keys are removed from 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 produce lookalike blanks in standard keyway dimensions to operate their brand-name locks if properly cut. For example, Kaba Ilco produces "LookAlike" blanks in standard 5-pin and 6-pin keyways to operate their brand name locks if cut properly. This saves customers the time and expense of obtaining the brand name key to work in their locks, if and when they can obtain it, and also allows them to have a uniform, standard appearance throughout their property.

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