Among the many services offered by professional locksmiths is key cutting. This process involves making duplicate keys from an existing key. With a spare key available, you can quickly resolve accidental lockouts, maintain the condition of your original keys, and share access to your property.
Key cutting requires the services of a knowledgeable and experienced locksmith who knows not just about the keys but their locks, too. In this article, we will discuss frequently asked questions about key cutting and how a professional locksmith can help.
QUESTION #1: IS KEY CUTTING HARD?
If you are one of those people who like to do DIYs, you might wonder whether key cutting is hard and if it’s possible to do it successfully on your own. The truth is, given the right knowledge and tools, DIY key cutting is possible. However, if you don’t have the experience to do it, it could take some time or lead to costly mistakes. If you want the job done quickly and correctly, it’s best to enlist the services of a professional locksmith.
QUESTION #2: HOW MUCH DOES KEY CUTTING COST?
Before hiring a locksmith for key cutting, it is important to know how much it will cost. This will help you avoid surprises when you get the bill. So, how much does it cost to get a key cut? Depending on your location and type of key, locksmiths are likely to charge between $4 and $20 for copying keys in Australia. Unusual keys will cost a little bit more. And, if you need your locksmith to come to you for key cutting services outside business hours, additional charges can also be expected.
QUESTION #3: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CUT A KEY?
The time needed to get cut a key will depend on several factors. The first factor is the type of key you need. Cutting a standard house key will most likely only take a few minutes. However, if you need a more complex key that requires special cuts, such as a safe or car key, it may take longer. A good locksmith will provide an estimate of how long it will take. In general, however, key cutting takes about 15-20 minutes.
QUESTION #4: CAN I GET A KEY CUT WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL?
Have you ever wondered if you can get a key cut even after losing the original key? Surprisingly, it’s possible to make a duplicate even without the original key. In fact, it is not an unusual situation for locksmiths to deal with. They can dismantle the lock and navigate the pins inside it to determine how to shape the key. Some skilled locksmiths won’t even need to disassemble the lock, they can just create an impression of the lock by inserting a blank key.
QUESTION #5: WHAT PROOF DO YOU NEED TO GET A KEY CUT?
Regular keys or standard keys don’t need any extra permissions to have duplicates made. However, for high-security keys, you’ll need to produce proof that you are authorised to replicate the key. To prove that you own the relevant key/lock, you need to present a document showing that the key is registered to you or your business. These keys have unique serial numbers imprinted on the key which match the lock and can only be read by a professional key cutter. While keys to your house are most likely standard keys, keys to communal locks, mostly found in an office building or block of flats, are usually high-security keys.
QUESTION #6: CAN ANY KEY BE DUPLICATED?
While locksmiths are experts at cutting keys, there are certain keys that cannot be duplicated. So, what keys cannot be cut? They are invincible keys that are called Do Not Duplicate (DND) keys. These non-duplicable keys include:
- Transponder Keys
- Laser Cut Car Keys
- VAT Keys
- Abloy Keys
- Tubular Keys
- Internal Cut Keys
- Four-Sided Keys
APEX LOCKSMITHS – BEST KEY CUTTING SERVICES IN SYDNEY
Because key cutting is a tedious task that needs to be done by highly trained and experienced professionals, you need to find a company you can trust. After all, you are entrusting access to your property and valuables. At Apex Locksmiths, our certified locksmith technicians have completed rigorous training to deal with various locks and keys. They understand the importance of safety and security in your home or office and will conduct themselves professionally and with utmost care at all times. You can expect them to cut your keys on-site quickly and properly, without causing any other issues.
If you require key cutting or any other locksmith services, consult Apex Locksmiths today! Our friendly staff is ready to hear your concerns and requests 24/7. Give us a call at (02) 9569 4807 for more information and a no-obligation cost estimate.