The majority of house keys are composed of a mix of nickel and silver or brass. While most keys are available in silver or brown colors, they can also be plated in various colors. Because it is only a covering, this plating tends to wear away over time eventually leading to the need for a replacement key. Vegas Valley Locksmiths outlines how keys are made and what to expect when having a key copied.
A Milling Machine is Used to Produce Keys
Milling machines are used to make original and duplicate keys. Before being laser etched or cut into its own pattern, the key is known as a “blank key”. During production, it is possible for a company’s logo or trademark to be embossed on the head of the key.
How Does a Key Duplicator Work?
On a key duplication machine, the cutting tool (or blade) is aligned with the original key, which is placed in a vice on one side of the key duplicator while a blank key is put in a vice on the opposite side of the machine that contains the alignment tool. The alignment tool is a metal piece that runs parallel to the blade. The alignment bar (key guide) ensures that the keys are aligned properly with one another. After the key duplicator machine is switched on, the original and blank keys move horizontally across the machine while the blade cuts into the blank key using the real one as a template pattern. The duplicate key is then sanded for a smooth finish creating a key copy that is identical to the original.
Importance of Matching Key Blanks
When making a duplicate key it is important to use a correct key blank. At Vegas Valley Locksmiths we have thousands of different key blanks and always choose one as similar to the original as possible to ensure accuracy and quality.
How Long Does it Take to Cut & Copy a Key?
A professional locksmith like Vegas Valley Locksmiths can quickly duplicate a typical key in just a matter of minutes and replicating a more complex key takes roughly 30 minutes.
Where Can I Get Keys Copied?
While self-service key cutting kiosks are found in many big box stores and hardware shops, these machines aren’t necessarily dependable over time. While they are likely to function well when new, there is no assurance that they will be regularly calibrated or well-maintained as time goes on. At Vegas Valley Locksmiths, we carefully maintain our key cutting machines. For example, when cutting wheels become dull, we change them to guarantee precise cuts. Our machines are computerized for increased accuracy in removing human error. Our highly experienced technicians are courteous and efficient, and we offer affordable yet quality service as we cut keys correctly the first time.
Can a Locksmith Make a Door Ley without the Original?
If you do not have the original key or it has been destroyed over time, a locksmith will need to use a code cutter to determine the depths of your lock’s key code groove. We can scope the lock cylinders to read the depths, disassemble and decrypt the cylinder, or imprint them. Each process has advantages and disadvantages. A professional locksmith will know which technique is best.
Professional Auto, Home & Office Locksmith Services in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North Las Vegas & Henderson Nevada
If you’re in need of a new key or have lost your original, don’t stress! Vegas Valley Locksmiths can effectively duplicate keys correctly the first time. We have thousands of different key blanks to choose from and our machines are calibrated regularly for precision cuts. Our locksmiths are experienced and efficient, so you can rest assured your keys will be copied correctly the first time. Call us for all your lock and key needs!
