It’s annoying when you lose a key and there are no extras to use. An expert locksmith, though, may often save the day by creating a key by copying the lock itself. To do this, a temporary key is made after a thorough examination of the lock, and the key is then shaped to fit the internal components of the lock; this is called key impressions or key origination.
A new key may frequently be made by a professional locksmith, sparing you the trouble and cost of having to replace the complete lock, however, this isn’t the case for every kind of lock.
Learning How a Key Is Made from a Lock
Making a key from a lock is an involved operation that calls for experience and knowledge. The nuances of locksmithing may be better understood by learning these procedures. The steps involved in creating a key are as follows:
- Examination of the Lock:
The lock, its mechanism, and its keyway design are all factors that the locksmith must consider. For the purpose of producing a reliable key, this data is important.
The locksmith will put a blank key into the lock and spin it while applying pressure. After taking out the key, the lock’s inner workings leave telltale markings that may be examined. The locksmith then makes a functional key by filing and shaping the key in accordance with these markings.
- Key Cutting:
The locksmith then carefully cuts the ridges and grooves into the blank key using key-cutting equipment or manual files to replicate the design of the original key.
- Testing and Fine-Tuning:
The freshly cut key is used to test the lock and make sure it works properly. If necessary, the locksmith will make small tweaks to the key until it works properly.
What Determines Whether or Not a Key Can Be Made from a Lock?
Making a key from a lock might be difficult or impossible depending on a number of circumstances.
- Lock Variety:
There is a wide range of sophistication and safety features of locks. Some locks may be picked simply, while others may provide key creation systems that are extremely complex to crack without unique equipment or expert expertise.
- Lock Prerequisite:
A lot depends on how well the lock is working. It may be more difficult to make a precise key if the lock is broken, worn out, or otherwise in bad shape. A locksmith will inspect the lock to see whether key duplication is feasible.
- Structured Keys:
The keyway design describes how the keyhole of a lock is fashioned. Some keyways have more complicated designs, making it more difficult to duplicate a key without the original or special equipment.
- The Locksmith’s Knowledge and Abilities:
The locksmith’s familiarity with key origination procedures, expertise, and experience are vital. The odds of successfully extracting a key from a lock increase when done by a trained locksmith using specialized equipment.
Examples of when a key may be made from a Lock
- Keys Misplaced or Lost:
If you can get to the lock but have misplaced the keys, a locksmith can duplicate them by studying the lock’s inner workings and making a new key.
- Damaged or Missing Keys:
If your key breaks off within the lock or is otherwise damaged, a locksmith may use the broken pieces to reassemble the key and the lock’s internal settings to make a new key.
- Need for Spare Keys:
A locksmith may make copies of your keys by studying the original and duplicating its form and attributes. This is useful if you need spares or just want more keys on hand.
Instances when it would be impractical to duplicate a Lock’s key
- Locks with extra security features or high-tech key systems:
Intricate mechanisms and complicated key profiles make expert knowledge and tools necessary for opening certain locks, such as high-security locks and those with sophisticated key systems. In such instances, duplicating the lock’s key may be impossible without specific permission or training.
- Difficult Locks to Open or Non-Standard Key Profiles:
Making a key for a lock that has a complicated mechanism or an unusual key profile might be difficult. If this happens, you may want to have a new lock installed or talk to a locksmith about your options.
Final Words
In the event of key misplacement, key damage, or the requirement for a spare set of keys, a locksmith may typically extract the key blank from the lock and use it to create a new key. A professional locksmith can duplicate a key’s form and characteristics by studying the lock’s internal mechanics and settings.
In certain circumstances, however, such as with high-security locks, sophisticated key systems, locks with complicated mechanisms, or non-standard key profiles, copying a key may not be possible. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional locksmith, who can evaluate the situation and recommend the best course of action.