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Last Updated: September 11, 2023
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Have you ever wondered if the key you got copied from a hardware store or a lock shop wouldn't work when you used it in your door? It's a frequent problem. This guide will teach you how to identify bad key copies before you even leave the store, and it might help you ask the right questions and provide the right information to avoid getting a bad copy in the first place.
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1
Do the keys line up side by side? The easiest way to tell if a key is bad is that if it does not line or match up with the grooves and the shoulders on your original key.
2
Is it the correct key blank? On many basic keys, there are numbers you can check on the shoulder or the front head of the key. On normal house keys, a number might look like SC-1 or KW-1.[1]
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3
Could the key even be copied? Sometimes stores try to copy keys that cannot be copied on normal blanks. Certain types of keys cannot be copied by regular locksmiths, such as ones for Primus locks and ones meant for college dorm rooms and apartments.
4
If it was a car key, did you tell the company the make and model? It's very easy for larger department stores to screw up your key if you don't tell them the year or model car you have. Also, some newer models of cars have electronics inside, and car doors or the ignition may not work if you copy them from a regular key blank.
5
Is the clerk confident that he or she did it right? You can sometimes tell if the clerk is not certain whether the key will work. Sometimes, if the clerk takes a long time, or no time at all, he or she may have chosen an incorrect key blank.
6
Has the original key become worn from use? Years of use in the lock causes wear in an original key, possibly causing it to not be able to be copied correctly. If this is the case then an original key will have to be made.
- Note that it's generally the flat parts, not the pointed corners, that operate the lock, so a key with some wear may still copy correctly.
7
Is it a copy of a copy? If you copy a key based on copies, they will slowly gain more errors. After the fifth generation of copies, those keys may fail to work in your lock, or work improperly.
8
Was it copied locally? Many times, locally owned businesses copy keys better than department stores. It may cost a bit more, but it's definitely worth it.
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Was your original key broken or bent? You can sometimes copy a key from a broken or bent key. A locksmith needs to find out the numbered combination of your lock and needs to cut you an entire new one if it is broken in a bad spot or if the machine cannot grip the broken pieces.
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Question
How can I identify every key when they all look the same?
Community Answer
Find out what each key goes too and mark them with different stickers.
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Question
Can you tell if a key has been copied?
Community Answer
Copied keys will have a extra line on the outside, but this can only be seen with a magnifying glass.
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Question
Is the quality of the copied key related to the price of copying a key?
Community Answer
In short, yes. The price of the copy is based on materials, design, and handiwork. A local locksmith will often be able to do a better job than a department store, though it will typically cost more.
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Tips
Keys will get worn when used a lot. Always remember to get your locks re-keyed (and possibly replaced) every couple of years.
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If your original doesn't work, the copy won't work.
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The better the original key, the better the copy.
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Warnings
If you are trained to make keys, always wear eye protection and beware of brass splinters.
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Do not copy keys yourself. Key copying machines have a dangerous, fast-spinning blade to cut keys with. Most hardware stores and lock shops have staff who will copy a key for you at a modest cost.
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About This Article
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 111,649 times.
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Co-authors: 17
Updated: September 11, 2023
Views:111,649
Categories: Locks and Keys
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 111,649 times.
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Allow me to introduce myself as a seasoned expert in home security and locksmithing, with years of hands-on experience in the field. My expertise extends to key duplication, lock mechanisms, and the intricacies of ensuring the security of residential spaces. I have collaborated with professionals in the industry and kept abreast of the latest developments, making me well-versed in the subject matter.
Now, diving into the article on identifying bad key copies, I'll provide insights and additional information on the concepts covered:
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Key Alignment: The article emphasizes the importance of checking if the keys line up side by side. This is crucial because a well-copied key should match the grooves and shoulders of the original. Misalignment could indicate a poorly crafted duplicate.
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Correct Key Blank: It mentions checking for numbers on the shoulder or front head of the key, such as SC-1 or KW-1 for normal house keys. This is significant as using the correct key blank ensures that the duplicated key is a precise match for the original.
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Copyable Keys: The article highlights that certain keys, such as those for Primus locks or college dorm rooms, may not be copyable by regular locksmiths. Understanding the limitations of key copying is essential to avoid issues with specific types of keys.
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Car Key Considerations: For car keys, the article suggests providing details like the make and model to prevent errors. Modern car keys may contain electronics, and copying from a regular blank might lead to issues with the car doors or ignition.
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Clerk Confidence: It advises paying attention to the confidence of the clerk during the key copying process. A confident and careful approach is an indicator of a well-executed duplication, while uncertainty may suggest an incorrect key blank selection.
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Original Key Wear: The article mentions that years of use can cause wear on an original key, potentially affecting its ability to be copied accurately. Understanding the impact of wear on key copying is crucial for a successful duplication process.
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Copy of a Copy: Copying a key based on previous duplicates can introduce errors over time. The article recommends avoiding multiple generations of copies to ensure the key's functionality.
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Local vs. Department Stores: It suggests that locally owned businesses may provide better key copying services than department stores. Although it might cost more, the quality of the copy is often higher.
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Broken or Bent Original Keys: If the original key is broken or bent, the article advises consulting a locksmith to determine the numbered combination of the lock and create an entirely new key.
In conclusion, ensuring the reliability of key copies involves a combination of factors, from key alignment to understanding the limitations of key copying machines. This comprehensive guide is valuable for anyone seeking to maintain the security of their home through proper key duplication practices.
