Learn a bit about how locksmiths work
Locksmiths are lifesavers. They are your saviours when you get locked outside your home or your car. They can help secure your property with high-quality locks and keys, as well as digital locks. In addition, they could create new keys for your doors, windows, cabinets, and even your car if you had the misfortune of losing your keys. Of course, you can also ask your trusted locksmith to make you copies of your existing keys.
Locksmiths have the means to make new keys, whether you have the original ones or have lost them. So how do they do this seemingly magical process?
How to Create New and Spare Keys?
No magic is involved in creating spare keys, even without the original key. Your locksmith is trained and equipped with the tools and skills needed to create new keys. Here are some of the commonly used methods by locksmiths.
Decoding The Key Code
Lock manufacturers usually include a factory key code made up of strings of letters and numbers on their products. These strings may seem meaningless to the untrained eye, but they give your locksmith the information they need to cut a new key for the lock, even without the original key.
Your locksmith will use a code cutter to recognise the pattern and cutting of your keys. This process is beneficial if you have broken or lost your keys. The key code is usually stamped into the lock body. However, this process may not always work. Sometimes, the key code is stamped into the original key. In some instances, especially for high-security locks, the key code can be found on key code cards. Without these, the locksmith may not be able to create new keys for you using this method.
Visual Decoding
If you still have the original keys, but they are too worn out or broken, your locksmith can create new keys through visual decoding. Your locksmith will carefully inspect your keys and evaluate how they should cut your new keys.
Disassembling the Lock
One option of making new keys without the original ones, is taking the lock from the door and disassembling it. This reverse-engineering process is a time-consuming but a reliable means for the locksmith to get to know the biting for the key, by inspecting and measuring the height and alignment of the pins in the lock.
Lock disassembly is used when you want to preserve the lock of an old house or collectible car, but you’ve lost the original keys. During lock disassembly, the locksmith must be careful not to damage the lock. They must disassemble it carefully so that they will not damage or misalign the lock’s internal mechanisms.
Getting an Impression from the Lock
Impressioning a lock lets the locksmith make new keys, without relying on the factory key code or disassembling the lock. It is an effective way for the locksmith to get to know the lock mechanism but requires skills and lots of practice. The process is quite similar to picking a lock.
First, the locksmith will insert a key blank into the lock and turn the blank key. Turning the key will bind the pins in the lock cylinder. This step will put some marks on the blank key, which the locksmith will use as his basis for cutting a new key. Your locksmith will then turn the lock several times to get the marks he needs to create a new key.
Your locksmith may have to repeat the process to get the best and most accurate results.
Casting
Casting is done to create spare keys for old locks that you may have in your antique cabinets, drawers, desks, or safes. Your locksmith may use wax or high-quality clay for this method.
For casting, your locksmith will need the original key. He will then place the moulding clay in a duplication mould with the original key on top of the clay. The mould is then closed. This will create an impression of the key on the clay. Next, the mould is opened, the key removed, and a cast of the key is left on the moulding clay.
The mould is baked to make a solid base. A mix of metals is then heated until it is in liquid form. Finally, the liquefied casting material is poured into the mould. To remove any excess material from the duplicate key, your locksmith will use metal files, grinders, and wire brushes.
Getting Your VIN
Now, if you need to get new keys for your car, your trusted locksmith can do it too. Of course, you must be able to prove that you own the car in the first place. One of the things that your locksmith will ask from you is your car’s Vehicle Identification Number.
Your locksmith will then request a key code based on the VIN. Authorities will ask him to provide his license before he can get the key code to create your new car keys.
Using a Code Reader
For replacing key fobs, your locksmith will use an optical scanner to inspect your car’s transponder and evaluate its circuitry. He will need the signals that generate a latched or engaged result. Locksmiths use a code reader to make a duplicate key fob for you.
What are the Keys That Your Locksmith Can Make for You?
If you are wondering what types of keys your locksmith can make and duplicate, here are some of them.
- Deadbolt Keys
- Padlock Keys
- Knoblock Keys
- Furniture Keys
- Antique Keys
- Mailbox Keys
- Car Keys
- Key Fobs
- Mechanically Cut Car Keys
- Laser Cut Car Keys
Understandably, your locksmith will not make new keys for dorms, school buildings, or any private property unless you prove ownership of that property.
Check out Ambassador Locksmiths, your trusted and reliable locksmith in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. We offer 24/7 locksmith services for your lockout emergencies. We are here to help you get new and replacement keys any time of the day. Call us on 0407 452 424 now.