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Spare keys for your home: what can be copied and where

A spare key is cheap insurance against a lockout. But not every key copies well at a hardware store kiosk.

By Woodland Hills Locksmiths editorial team · Published · Updated

Illustration of three keys on a ring on a sunny day

Keys a locksmith can cut

  • Entry door and deadbolt keys
  • Garage door and gate keys
  • Mailbox keys
  • Padlock keys
  • File cabinet keys
  • Master keys
  • High-security and restricted keys

Why accuracy matters

A key cut slightly off can work at first, then wear your lock or stick. Copying a copy compounds errors. A locksmith can cut by code or decode the original lock for a more precise key.

Keys that can't be copied easily

High-security and restricted keys use controlled keyways, and copies need authorization. That's the point: it keeps unofficial copies out of circulation.

On site

A mobile locksmith can cut keys at your home, which helps when you need to test each copy in the lock straight away. Pair it with rekeying if you're not sure who else holds keys.

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