Can a Locksmith Make a Key From a Lock?
- Locksmiths can make a key from the lock itself on most house and car locks.
- Common methods are pulling the cylinder and reading the pins, decoding and impressioning.
- For a house, rekeying to a fresh key is often the better buy.
- Expect to show proof you own the lock or the car.
How a Locksmith Reads a Lock
Every key has cuts at set depths. The lock holds pins that match those depths. If a locksmith can learn the depths, they can cut a key on a code machine. There are a few ways to do that.
- Take the cylinder apart. Once the lock is open or picked, the tech removes the cylinder and measures each key pin. This is precise and common for house locks.
- Decoding. Special tools read the pin depths through the keyway without taking the lock apart. Car door locks are often decoded this way.
- Impressioning. The tech puts a soft blank in the lock, turns it gently and files where it marks. Bit by bit the blank becomes a working key. It is slow and takes real skill.
- Key codes. Some locks and cars have a code that maps to the cuts. With proof of ownership, a locksmith or dealer can look it up.
House Locks. Make a Key or Rekey?
If you lost your only house key, you have two choices. A locksmith can make a key that fits the lock as it is. Or they can rekey the lock to a new key. The labor is similar, because in both cases they must open and read the lock.
Rekeying has one big plus. Any key that went missing stops working. If you do not know where the old key went, or who might have a copy, that is worth a lot. Our guide on rekeying or replacing locks lays out the trade off, and our post on how to rekey a lock shows what the job involves.
Car Keys Made From the Lock
For a car, the blade and the chip are two jobs. The locksmith can often decode the door lock or get the key code, then cut the blade. Most cars built in the last few decades also need the chip or fob programmed before the engine will start. Our lesson on car key generations explains why.
If you have lost every key to the car, read our guide to losing all your car keys. It covers the cost, the time and why a mobile locksmith can save you a tow. For the choice between a hardware store, the dealer and a locksmith, see our comparison.
Locks That Are Harder to Read
Some locks are built to resist this. High security cylinders use patented keys, side pins or rotating parts. Many need blanks only an authorized dealer can get. Restricted key systems in offices may need the owner to approve any new key. In those cases a locksmith may need to order a key from the maker or replace the cylinder. Our lesson on key control explains how restricted systems work.
Mailbox, Cabinet and Other Small Locks
Small locks on mailboxes, desks, filing cabinets and tool boxes are often wafer locks or simple cam locks. Many have a key code stamped on the face of the lock. With that code, a locksmith can cut a key without taking anything apart. If there is no code, the lock is usually cheap to replace, which can be faster than reading it.
Mailboxes at apartments and many cluster boxes have their own rules. The lock may belong to the building or the post office, not to you. Ask your property manager or the local post office who is allowed to change it before you call a locksmith.
Keep Your Key Codes Private
A key is just a set of numbers. Anyone who knows the numbers can cut a copy. Do not post clear photos of your keys online, and do not leave key code cards where guests or workers can see them. Some locks come with a code card in the box. Keep it with your important papers. It will make a lost key far easier to replace.
What a Locksmith Will Ask For
Making a key is a lot like opening a lock, so honest locksmiths ask for proof. For a house that is usually ID with the address, a lease or a utility bill. For a car it is the title or registration and your ID. Our guide on what a locksmith will ask you to prove lists the usual papers. If a locksmith will make a key with no questions at all, think about who else they would do that for.
Cost and Timing
Price depends on the lock and the method. A simple house cylinder is quick. Impressioning or a high security lock takes longer. A car key adds programming. Our locksmith cost guide and car key cost guide give the usual ranges. Ask for a total on the phone that covers the trip, the key and any programming.
When you are ready, you can find a locksmith by city and ask if they make keys to existing locks.
Common Questions
Can a locksmith make a key from a picture of a key?
Sometimes a clear photo can be decoded, which is why you should not post key photos online. Most locksmiths will still want the lock or proof you own it.
Is it cheaper to make a new key or rekey the lock?
They are often close in price for a house lock. Rekeying is usually the better buy, because it shuts out any lost key.
Can a locksmith make a key for a car with no key?
Yes, for most cars. They cut the blade from a code or the lock, then program the chip or fob to the car.
How long does it take?
A simple house lock can be quick. Impressioning, high security locks and car programming take longer. Ask for a time estimate when you call.