You need a new key for your front door (or your car), so you decide to pop along to the hardware store (or car dealership) to have a copy made quickly, but before you do, you should know that not all keys are created equal. Whether you need a new key for your front door, your car, or even your office, here's what you need to know before you try to have keys cut.
Keys for your home
Not all keys can be keyed easily by a key cutting machine, and that's a good thing. Some manufacturers make it harder to duplicate keys so that you can reduce the likelihood of someone copying your key and entering your home without your permission. These restricted security keys can be duplicated by a locksmith or the key manufacturer, so skip the visit to the key cutting kiosk and have a professional make your copy.
Keys for your office
Many businesses use key control systems to keep security in check, but occasionally keys do get lost or broken and need to be replaced. If you need a new key for your office, first make sure that you are allowed to get a new key cut. Your employer may want to simply have the lock re-keyed and provide you with a new key, especially if you lost your key. Even if you have permission to have a new key made, you should still use a locksmith to make sure that the new key is duplicated properly so you won't put your company's security at risk.
Car keys
Few things are worse than losing or breaking your car key, but these keys are often used daily and can wear out over time. Modern cars have keys that are "smart," meaning they can't be duplicated as easily as their predecessors. The use of transponder technology means car keys are no longer simple to copy, and most people think that they can only get a replacement from their car dealership, but this isn't true. Many reputable locksmiths can provide you with a working key that has been programmed specifically for your car, and they often do it much more cheaply than a dealership will.
Whatever the reason, when you need a new key, contact your local locksmith first. They'll be able to provide you with the best, most secure option for your needs, and they could save you a lot of trouble later on. Read more about this topic on your local locksmith's website.
Share13 April 2016
After our home was vandalized when we were away on vacation, I realized that we really needed to spend a little money to update our door locks and hardware. We looked at our broken locks, figured out where we went wrong, and immediately started working with a locksmith to correct the issue. It was amazing to see what a great difference we were able to make. The locksmith came out, replaced our old, damaged locks with an electronic version, and taught us how to use the system. This blog is all about your different door lock options, so that you understand how to keep your home safe.