Losing or damaging your keys is an unfortunate everyday occurrence for many homes and vehicles, and many individuals do not have spares they can rely on. As such, they either remain locked out scrounging for a solution or their valuables remain vulnerable because they can’t secure them.
So, what do you do when you need a new key and don’t have one on hand?
Many would be inclined to call on dealerships or home improvement stores, but these services can be overpriced as well as lack experience. Key cutting is an artform that should only be undertaken by specialists in key craftsmanship, so the answer is to contact a qualified locksmith to get you the best prices as well as the best service.
Let’s discuss what key cutting is as well as the benefits of going to a trained and experienced locksmith for your keying needs.
Key Duplication Vs. Key Cutting
Key duplication is the process of creating one or multiple keys out of an original set. For traditional keys, it involves pressing the original key into a mold and filling that mold with metal to create an identical clone. For more advanced keys such as fobs or digital keys, it means cloning the original transponder for a replicate. It is a simple process that requires little experience.
Key cutting, on the other hand, is more complex. When you lose or damage your keys and don’t have an original set to rely on for duplication, the locksmith must produce a substitute from scratch using the lock as a guide.
This requires specialized tools and expertise to ensure the key fits with, and in the case of a key fob or digital key, pairs with the corresponding locking mechanism.
Compared with key duplication, cutting requires much more finesse and precision, which is why many who rely on a random shop to do the necessary work come back with a key that doesn’t fit perfectly or requires extra maneuvering to work properly.
Why Choose a Locksmith?
Locksmiths go through years of training in the art of key cutting for all types of keys, from traditional key and lock mechanisms to key fobs that unlock at the push of a button. Not only do locksmiths enhance home and vehicle security but they give you access during emergencies when your keys are lost or broken.
They are the go-to key cutters for a few key reasons:
Convenience
Many people believe the dealership they purchased their car from to be their only option when it comes to any form of car maintenance, including new keys. Similarly, when it comes to new keys for homes, many go to their local home improvement store because it seems convenient. Both of these presumptions are just that, presumptions.
Unlike dealerships who charge astronomical prices and home improvement stores that must divide their time between numerous home projects, locksmiths only have one service and one goal, to provide you with convenient and effective keys and locks.
Exceptional Expertise
Like previously stated, locksmiths’ only goal is to provide exceptional service for traditional key and lock systems and digital keying systems. This means that locksmiths have spent their lives devoted to diagnosing and solving key issues. Using specialized tools and methods, they are able to cut keys from all types of locks on homes, businesses, and vehicles with meticulous care and attention to detail without any risk of damage to the original lock.
Cost-Effective
Key cutting can be an expensive endeavor when completed by non-professionals, especially when it turns out the key does not work properly and may damage the lock. To avoid any amateur services that cost excessive amounts, locksmiths ensure each key is accurate and works correctly.
Time Convenience
Your time is precious, especially when you are locked out of your home or vehicle by a lost or broken key. Many locksmith services are open 24/7 so that no matter the time of day, you can get unlocked and receive a new key to get you on your way. Also, where many dealerships and home improvement stores can take long amounts of time to create new keys, it is the mission of locksmiths to cut keys quickly to get you on with your day.
Summing Up
Every individual loses or breaks a key at some point or another, and if you don’t have a spare on hand, this can be a large hiccup in your day as you try to order a replacement. In the meantime, your home, business, or vehicle remains vulnerable. Contact your local locksmith for a professional, quick, and cost-effective key cutting solution.
If you live in Southeastern Michigan, Action Locksmith Inc is the locksmith company to call! We are known throughout the area for our hard work and dedication to helping the residents and businesses of Michigan with their lock and security needs including master key systems, keyless entry, safe installation, and more. You can count on our locksmith services to be timely, professional, and done right. Call anytime with questions or assistance, we’ll be there.