There can be many different reasons why you might need to have keys cut. You could have lost your keys, your old keys could have broken, or you might have decided to upgrade your locks. The reasons are pretty numerous, but the fact is that regardless of why you need new keys, the how stays the same. If you call a pro Sheffield locksmith, they can explain to you in detail what the key-cutting process will involve. However, to help you understand what is involved, read on.

We have conferred with a team of local locksmiths to determine the most important queries around key cutting. If you want to better understand the process, you will find what you need to know here.

The Key Questions Around Key Cutting

Key cutting is a pretty simple process, but most locksmiths find that their customers come with specific questions. To help you understand what to expect, let’s look at the most important queries:

First Off: Who Do I Hire For Key Cutting?

The best place to turn for any key cutting requirements you have is to call a locksmith. You will have many options from your local locksmiths, so you have no reason to rely upon a third-party service provider. Key cutting services are provided by all locksmiths in the UK, giving you ample choice. There is no benefit to using a different service; locksmiths offer the quickest, cheapest key cutting.

How Much Money Does It Cost To Cut Keys?

Generally, the cost of cutting your keys is determined by a wide range of factors. This includes:

• The type of key you are having cut: basic, mortice, high-security, etc.
• Whether you have a template key or the key is cut from scratch
• How quickly do you need the locksmith to complete the key cutting
• How many copies of the key are you having cut at the same time

Generally, you should expect a standard key or Yale key to cost around £5-6. Mortice keys, which are used specifically with Mortice locks, cost around £7-8. Meanwhile, high-security keys could cost you in the region of £22-50, depending on what kind of key you need, whether it is double-bitted, and other associated factors. 

However, please note that every locksmith has their price range. We would recommend looking around at various locksmiths in your local area to see who can offer you the best price for key cutting, whilst having a stellar reputation. 

How Long Does It Take A Locksmith To Cut Keys?

So, the challenge with this question is that it depends on the kind of key you are having cut. Each key has its own timeframes involved, and they tend to be broken down as:

• Yale Keys. Yale keys are arguably the most common key type and are the ones we use to enter our homes. Usually, a quality locksmith can cut these keys in less than a minute, especially if they are using an automated key-cutting machine.
• Mortice Keys. Most locksmiths also cut keys for mortice locks, and these use a different kind of key. Often known as a ‘chubb’ key, these usually take around five minutes for a locksmith to prepare, cut and then finalise; they often use different machinery for this job.
• High-Security Keys. High-security keys, like safe keys, are the most time-consuming. You should expect even a skilled locksmith to take a period of around 20-30 minutes to cut this key. If the key is double-bitted, you should expect to wait for 30+ minutes. 

However, keep in mind that these timeframes are mostly an estimate. Every locksmith has their own timeframes based on the skill level they have, the tools they utilise and how many other projects they have on at that moment in time. If you are looking for a specific timeframe, ask your locksmith.

Do I Need To Use The Same Locksmith For Key Cutting?

You can shop around; that is not an issue. However, if you have a key that is restricted (see below), then you would likely need to go to the same locksmithing company that cut the original. You would also need the permission of the original keyholder to have these key copies created. If you need to use a different locksmith from the original, you will need to have a letter of authority from the keyholder. 

Can I Stop My Keys From Being Copied/Duplicated?

Yes, you can – you need to use what is known as a ‘Do Not Copy’ or ‘Do Not Duplicate’ key. These have certain restrictions placed on them by the keyholder. A copy can only be made with the express permission of the keyholder; that means nobody else could take your keys, or spare keys, and get a copy made without your say-so. 

If you want a key that is nigh-impossible to create a copy of, you need a locksmith who can create a patented key type for you. These tend to be much more challenging for someone to clone. However, no key is impossible to recreate; a locksmith can only make the bar for duplication exceedingly high. 

Any kind of restricted or patented keys will come with an agreement with the original manufacturer to ensure the key cannot be duplicated without permission. If you do not know who cut the patented key in the first place, you will need to get a letter of authority and provide that to a local locksmith instead. This process can become messy and confusing, so patience is required to get the desired result. 

My Keys Are Broken: Does That Change The Key Cutting Process?

It can, yes. If you have a key that is broken, then it is going to be more difficult for a locksmith to use that key as a base for cutting a new key. However, so long as certain parts of the key are still present, most locksmiths can still use that key as the base for a new duplicate. So long as they can find the right key blank that is associated with that key, they should be able to do so without fitting new locks.

However, a locksmith can create a new key specifically for your locks from scratch if required. That said, do not expect this to fall into the same price and timeframe category as we suggested above. 

If your key has broken in the lock itself, you probably need to call an emergency locksmith. They can then fish out the broken parts from the lock mechanism and then cut a new key that is compatible with your locks. In a worst-case scenario, they can fit new locks into your doors and create new keys. 

Could A Locksmith Make A Key Using A Picture Instead Of A Key?

Some locksmiths can, but this is a pretty high-skill service to provide. Many locksmiths would need to have the original key as a base to use. They would need more information than the picture alone. Most of the time, they need to know the brand and answer various other queries. If you are looking to have a key made from a picture alone, contact a locksmith and see what they can recommend. 

With the above information, you should now have more insight into the key cutting process and what is generally involved. Use this information to your advantage when it comes to your next key cutting request, and you should be much more likely to get the results you desire. 

If you are ever uncertain about any aspect of key cutting or replacement, the best thing to do is to hire a local locksmith. They can give you their professional opinion and insight.