How To Make A Duplicate Key Without The Original
Did you lose your house keys accidentally? Have you decided you won’t be able to duplicate them since you lost the originals? Don’t worry, cutting a key without the original is still possible!
When a key is lost, locksmiths still have a few options to help make a new key despite not having the original. When it comes to replacing certain types of keys, however, there are a few limitations to keep in mind.
Please feel free to continue reading if you are interested in learning how keys are made and how they can be copied without the original.
Making Duplicate Keys Without The Original
To make a long story short, it is possible to make a duplicate key from scratch without having the original. Code cutters are used by professional locksmiths to detect the depth of grooves in the key code of your lock. This allows the locksmith to make the right key for your lock. It can be challenging to go through this entire process. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional and experienced locksmith.
Any key can be copied without an original. These examples include keys for garage doors, front or back doors, cars, safes, windows, and even suited keys. Duplicating some keys is harder than others, though.
Limitations on key duplication
There are specific legal restrictions associated with duplicating any key. Certain kinds of keys are restricted from being duplicated by these restrictions, which place conditions that must be met. Among these keys are the following:
- A locksmith can duplicate security keys without the original provided that you are the registered owner. You must show evidence of ownership.
- Locksmiths can only replace licensed keys, which are coded, if they are the ones who supplied them to you.
- There are restricted keys that you must acquire through the locksmith who provided them to you. If this is not possible, you can get a duplicate from a local licensed locksmith who will require a letter of authorization.
- Patented keys are legally protected. The only way to get a replacement or duplicate key is through the originating center manufacturer. The licensing agreement with the manufacturer will allow originating centres to supply their own keys. A local locksmith who has the proper letter of authority can obtain the keys for you if you don’t know the location of the originating center or manufacturer.
Note that locksmiths cannot order a blank to be used for duplicating a key without a letter from the registered owner authorizing them to do so. With the keys mentioned above, it is important to be aware of the duplication restrictions before hiring a locksmith.
Can I Get A Copy Of My Car Key?
Some vehicle brands allow the owners of a car that originally came with two keys to program a third one. A professional locksmith can easily duplicate this key. All you need is a basic key. Some car keys will, however, require more than just copying.
Electronic key fobs are used in most cars. Therefore, the key needs to be reprogrammed during replacement or copy. Most owner’s manuals will provide instructions on how to program the key. You can find many online guides that can help you.
As long as you have another key to operate the car, you can order a basic car key without the transmitter. Without a transmitter, this one can only open the door and cannot start the engine.
How To Make A Duplicate Car Key Without The Original?
Even if you’ve lost the original and don’t have a backup key, a professional locksmith service can provide you with a replacement key. To assist the locksmith in replacing the key, all you need is the vehicle identification number.
A vehicle’s VIN can be found on its title, insurance paperwork or card, as well as on several prominent places on the vehicle. Check the windshield on the driver’s side, the door on the driver’s side, or the “jamb” behind the driver’s door for cracks.
You will be asked for proof that the car belongs to you by a responsible locksmith. Be aware, however, that not every locksmith has the capability of duplicating or programming the key after the duplication.
What Is The Average Cost Of Copying A Car Key?
For an individual fob key with transponder technology, the locksmith charges about $20 to $30. For the fob, the dealer will charge $75, and for the key, it will be $160. A laser-cut key costs around $250 to duplicate.
Purchasing a blank key from AutoZone, Home Depot, or Wal-Mart usually costs between $3 and $6. Additionally, they sell transponder key fobs and remote key fobs anywhere from $15 to $90. These blanks can then be programmed using the manual, online guides, or even by taking them to Ace Hardware. Replacement car keys cost only $2.99 at Ace Hardware. They will charge less than $100 for the fob if the car needs programming.
Do Department Stores Like Lowe’s Or Home Depot Make Copies Of Car Keys?
may be tricky if they do not have the necessary technology. Today, chip keys are common, so it is hard to find a replacement at Lowe’s.
It is true that many locksmiths cannot do so without the special equipment required. If you have the VIN, the year of manufacture, make, model, and type of the car with you, you can still check with them whether it is possible.
For keys that don’t have transponder chips, Home Depot assists with a copy. Keys such as these can only open doors, not start engines. If you are able to get a copy of a transponder chip key, then you can purchase one at the Depo.
Where Can I Get A Copy Of My Car Key?
For the basic types of keys that do not require programming, locksmiths can quickly produce a replacement key. Dealerships also provide key copies.
In the event that you are unable to program the key on your own using the manual, you can ask a dealer or locksmith for assistance. The dealership may be able to program these keys free of charge. Other dealers will charge a fee for programming. In addition to basic and laser-cut keys, transponder keys can also be programmed by a locksmith using a programming machine.
