Residential · Locksmith Service
Key Duplication Service
Situated in the area? Need an extra house key for family members, caregivers, or backups? Need keys for property managers? When the key type, lock system, and authorization allow, Lock & Key Pros offers key duplication service for supported residential keys.
Not every key can be copied the same way. Different things can affect whether a key duplication is appropriate including the blank key, the wear on the key, the design of the lock, and any restricted-key controls.
- Residential Key Service
- Licensed
- Bonded
- Insured
- Free Estimates
When Do You Need Duplicate or Spare Keys?
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Separate Keys for Household Members
Additional household members must also have their own working copies of the key instead of sharing the same copy.
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You Need a Backup Key
A spare key may be stored with a trusted individual, or may be kept as a backup per the household security plan.
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Caregivers or Service Providers Need Planned Access
Some households give keys to caregivers, cleaners, or other trusted individuals who need planned access.
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Landlord or Property Management Access
Authorized property management may require additional copies of the key as per their access policy.
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You Are Replacing a Worn Key
If the key has been worn but remains functional, the lock and key should be assessed to avoid cutter wear, resulting in a duplication of a worn key.
Duplicate Key vs. Rekeying: Which Do You Need?
| Situation | Key Duplication compared with Lock Rekeying |
|---|---|
| Need an extra working copy | Key Duplication is the best fit. Lock Rekeying is not normally needed. |
| Old keys should stop working | Key Duplication is not enough. Lock Rekeying is the best fit when compatible. |
| Moved into a home and key history is unknown | Key Duplication adds copies but does not change access. Lock Rekeying changes which keys operate compatible locks. |
| Lost or stolen key | Key Duplication does not remove old key access. Lock Rekeying may be appropriate if the old key should stop working. |
| Need several compatible locks to use a planned key strategy | Key Duplication may provide copies after keying is established. Lock Rekeying may be part of setting the new key configuration. |
What Is a Key Duplication Service?
Key duplication is the process of creating an additional key that works with the supported key. The copy is made by duplicating the key pattern in order to test the copy in the lock.
The quality of the original key is important. If the original key is in poor condition due to damage, use, or is a poor duplicate, then copying that key will also be a poor copy. In that case, lock and key assessment will most likely be required before duplication.
Can Every House Key Be Duplicated?
No. Key duplication depends on the key type, blank availability, manufacturer design, authorization, and whether the key is part of a restricted or controlled key system.
Many standard residential keys can be duplicated when the correct blank and authorization are available. However, other keys may require special blanks, authorization or a unique service path. The duplication of high-security and restricted keys is often purposefully limited.
Bring the lock and key brand when you are requesting service, if you are unsure of what type of key you have.
Standard Keys vs. Restricted or High-Security Keys
Standard keys and restricted-key systems are used to solve different challenges in access management. The copying of standard keys is intended to be done to meet requested duplications. Restricted or high-security systems put additional constraints on the entire keying process.
If limiting unauthorized copies is more important than making more copies, High-Security Locks, Lock Rekeying, or other key-control systems would be your best next steps.
What If the Original Key Is Worn or Damaged?
A worn key can become harder to turn and may no longer resemble the lock's key pattern. Additionally, if the key is bent, cracked or excessively worn, duplicating the key without determining the reason for the defect can lead to another poorly functioning key.
The approach needed may involve replacing a worn key with a supported copy, checking the lock cylinder, repairing the lock, or rekeying the lock to a new configuration, depending on the issue.
How Many Spare Keys Should I Make?
How many spare keys are needed will depend on how many people need access. Each key gives access and is a credential that is managed. Therefore, the more keys you make, the more people have access.
You should make a key copy for someone who needs to access your space on a regular and approved basis. It is good to also keep a backup of the key with a person or persons whom you trust the most, based on your household security plan.
It is best to not give access, even temporarily, to people by duplicating the key. If a key should be in the possession of someone who has been granted access, but should no longer have that access, then it is better to rekey the locks as opposed to key collecting.
Key Duplication or Replacement Key Service
Duplication uses an existing key. A replacement key service is used if a key is unavailable or a different key creation method is required.
For your vehicle keys, please use the Automotive Locksmith and Car Key Replacement journey instead of this page for duplicating your residential keys.
How it works
How Our Key Duplication Service Works
- 1
Identify the Key & Intended Use
Do you need duplicates for a household member, household access, spares, or for any other reason?
- 2
Check Key Type & Condition
The key is assessed for level of wear, damage, and restrictions, if any, for duplicating.
- 3
Cut the Supported Duplicate
The working key pattern is cut using a compatible key blank.
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Check the New Key
The duplicated key is inspected for fit and cutting issues.
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Test the Key Where Appropriate
The customer must determine if the duplicate key opens the lock smoothly, without jamming it.
Key Duplication Cost & Pricing
Factors that affect the price of duplicating keys: type of key, blanks, lock system, the number of duplicates, and if there is a need for additional or special key duplicating or control systems.
Pricing is affected by the type of key and blank, the total number of duplicates, the current condition of the original key, the lock system whether standard or special and controlled, and any lock system rekeying and key control services.
To receive a quote, please provide the type of keys and the total number of duplicates. Please also note if the keys are marked, special, or associated with a special key system, in order to provide the service.
Key Duplication Service Areas
Lock & Key Pros provides residential key duplication across its verified service areas.
Why Choose Lock & Key Pros for Key Duplication?
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Key Detection
Deterioration status of the key will influence duplication.
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Access Control
Key duplication is taken as an access control decision rather than just a cutting decision.
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Residential Locksmith
In the event that the key problem is a worn or broken lock, related repair, rekeying, and replacement services are available.
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Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Lock & Key Pros has confirmed these credentials.
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Clear Pricing
Customers can request pricing for key types based on quantity.
Key Duplication FAQs
Can a locksmith duplicate a house key?
It is possible to duplicate a house key, as long as the key, blanks, lock system, and authorization requirements allow it.
Can every key be duplicated?
No. There are specialized keys, keys that are restricted or unavailable as standard blanks, and keys that require additional authorization.
Can you duplicate a worn key?
It depends. A badly worn or damaged key should definitely be assessed and might result in a copied key with an unreliable pattern.
Should I make a spare house key?
Spare keys are useful as long as they are stored and assigned as part of a sensible household access plan.
Should I duplicate or rekey after moving?
If your concern is that old keys may still be in the hands of previous tenants, then rekeying is more appropriate than making additional copies.
Can duplicate keys stop working over time?
Locks and keys can wear out over time. Rather than trying to force the key, it is best to check the key and lock to see if they need replacement.
How much does key duplication cost?
The price depends on the type and blank of the key, as well as if there are any special key system requirements. For a quote on key duplication, please contact us.
Do you duplicate car keys on this service page?
Vehicle key replacement and programming are in the Automotive Locksmith service path because modern vehicle keys require specific cutting and programming.
Do you provide key duplication in Tarzana?
Yes. We provide all key duplication services for the Tarzana area. Please visit the Tarzana page for location specific information, and this page for all key duplication services for the residence.
Duplicating or Replacing Keys
Tell us about your key for duplication or replacement. Specify the number of copies you require, the condition of your key, and your key design with regard to being standard or custom or whether it is part of a key control system. Lock & Key Pros will identify the most suitable path for key services.