Can a duplicate key be made without the original?

Author: Albin McGlynn  |  Last update: Thursday, November 16, 2023

It's possible to have a duplicate key made without the original. If you don't have the original key or it has been too worn down over time, you'll need to see a professional locksmith who can use a code cutter to identify the groove depths of your lock's key code.

How do I make a new key without an original key?

An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original. When you contact a locksmith, you will need to supply some information to the company before your key can be replaced.

How do I get a duplicate key if I lost it?

To make a key at home, heat up your original key with a lighter, then press it onto a piece of clear tape. Transfer the tape onto an expired credit card, then cut out the shape of the key with scissors. To get a copy of your key made professionally, visit a locksmith, a hardware store, or a key-cutting kiosk.

Can Home Depot make a key without the original?

If you've lost your key or locked yourself out, can Home Depot make you a new key without the original? Unfortunately, Home Depot can not make you a new key with the original key. However, if you find yourself in this situation, you typically have options: Call a locksmith to decode your lock and cut you a new key.

Does AutoZone make keys without original key?

FAQ/People Also Ask. Does AutoZone cut blank keys? AutoZone can cut a new key blank for most makes and models, whether or not you require a transponder key. It's traced from your current key and is digitally verified before you leave the store.

How Do Locksmiths Make Keys Without an Original Key - How to Impression a Key

Can a key be made with a VIN number?

Most vehicles in the United States from 1990 and up have key codes that are saved on file with the manufactures. As long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle a car key can be made with the Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number. Once a key code is pulled from the VIN number a car key can be cut.

How much does AutoZone charge to program a key?

AutoZone makes and programs transponder keys with no appointment necessary and at a fraction of what you will pay at a dealership, typically between $20 to $90. They can make transponder keys for a wide variety of vehicles, including Toyota, Ford, Dodge, Honda, Mercedes, GMC, and others.

Can Lowes make a key without a key?

If you find yourself needing a spare key for the dog walker or babysitter, shop for a key blank and then bring it to the hardware department to create your new key. We can duplicate house keys and even cut spare car keys. There's no need to be boring when you create your new key.

Can you copy a car key at Lowes?

Although Lowe's can help you duplicate your car keys used to unlock doors manually, it does not have the technology to duplicate the chip-enabled keys that have become very common in modern vehicles. Lowe's does sell automated key fob bases, but you will still need to visit your car dealership to get them enabled.

Can Walmart make any key?

While the MinuteKey booths at Walmart can copy many transponder keys, there is no guarantee that they can copy yours on-site. You'll have to visit your local Walmart. Some transponder keys also can't be copied on site. These keys can be scanned at Walmart but must be created elsewhere and shipped to you.

What happens if you lose a car key?

Speak with a local specialist locksmith

You'll likely get a blank, generic key but these can still be programmed for your car. These locksmiths will also usually be able to disable the old key, meaning whoever finds it can't just steal your car.

How much does a key replacement cost?

For the average manual car, you can expect the cost of replacing a key to be £160. For the average remote car key replacement, you can expect prices of around £320. To have a car key replaced for a Ford Focus remote car, you'll find the prices to be around £215.

Can a locksmith make a key from a picture?

The process of making a key from a photo is simple and easy. All you have to do is take a picture of your key with your phone and give it to the locksmith. Make sure you have a photo clicked in good lighting and from different angles. A highly skilled locksmith can easily make your key using photo-copying techniques.

Can my key be cloned?

Key fobs can be cloned by criminals as well as well-intentioned people who want an extra copy of their key. Sometimes, authorized users will make copies to have an extra for themselves or to give to friends or family. For example, someone might want a spare to keep in the car in case they forget their fob at home.

Can AAA tow a car without keys?

If a vehicle locksmith is not available or cannot place the vehicle in an operable condition, towing will be provided under the towing benefit . California law requires that locksmiths obtain identification from a person receiving lockout/locksmith service .

Can you make a key from a broken one?

While broken keys can be copied, you need to take into consideration how badly damaged the key actually is, as the key is an exact duplicate of what is available to be copied. A professional locksmith would measure the cuts on the key and cut the key to code.

Does Home Depot copy keys?

Home Depot offers key duplication services in-store.

The only exception in which the Home Depot does not copy keys is when the key has a “do not duplicate” sign. The Home Depot works with major key brands like Schlage, Yale, MiLock, and Kwikset.

How do I know if my car key has a chip?

These keys contain a chip that must be located in or near the ignition switch or the car will not start. Often these keys can be recognized because of the plastic bow where you would normally hold the key is thicker than the typical flat key. But fat plastic keys and thin metal keys may both contain a transponder chip.

Can you copy a car key at Walmart?

If you have the right type of key, then getting car keys made at Walmart is as easy as finding a Minute Key kiosk, which can be found at most Walmart locations across the country. Minute Key is a key copy and locksmith company providing convenient, self-serve key copy kiosks at Walmart locations and beyond.

Can you copy key fob at Lowes?

InstaFob is a key fob duplication technology that provides a secure way to make copies of your RFID fobs. This item must be programmed at your local Lowe's store.

What is a transponder key?

Chipped, or Transponder, keys are keys that have an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip inside the head of the key. These types of keys have become an industry standard for vehicle manufacturers. This is because the RFID chip adds an extra layer of security to your vehicle's ignition.

Can Lowes make a new key from a broken key?

Lowe's will cut you a new (transducer free) key from one you already have, but they won't program a key or fix one which is broken. You'll need to go to your car dealer or a locksmith, or research whether it's possible to program a new transducer yourself (if your key has a transducer).

Why does it cost so much to program a car key?

Basic keys and fobs don't feature advanced mechanics and can be duplicated with relatively simple machines or tools. Modern keys feature advanced transmitters, codes and programming, which leads to a higher cost because they take more time to duplicate and the actual hardware is more expensive.

How much does it take to reprogram a car key?

While it's hard to give a universal estimate, the general cost is between $50 and $250 for reprogramming. Here's a look at some factors that can determine price: Fob Type: Smart keys with a transponder (RFID), keyless ignition, or other extra features tend to be more expensive to reprogram.

Can I program a key fob myself?

Can I program a key fob myself? Depending on the age and model of your car, you may be able to program a replacement yourself. The procedure for do-it-yourself key fob programming can vary: Some automakers provide instructions in their owner's manuals. Information can be found in many cases on the internet.

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