Whether you lost an old spare or want to provide a key to a new roommate, you’ll need to have the original duplicated. While self-serve machines offer key duplication, professional locksmiths are the best choice. The guide below explains how these copying services differ to help you find the one that meets your needs.

What Are the Different Methods of Key Duplication?

A kiosk uses a laser to decode the original key, also known as the code key. Due to the equipment’s limitations, it requires regular maintenance and recalibration to stay sharp. If the machine isn’t regularly serviced, it could produce keys that don’t work or properly fit the lock.

On the other hand, a locksmith cuts copies manually with a key duplicator machine. The machine places the original and a blank key into a vice, and a blade cuts the blank key using the original as the template. Then, the locksmith sands the duplicate for a finish that resembles that of the original for the closest possible match.

Which Keys Should Be Used for This Service?

A duplicate is never a perfect copy of the original, so ideally, bring in the original when having a key copied. Keys can be safely duplicated for up to five generations, after which point they shouldn’t be used as the original.

While most kiosks only work with home and office keys, a skilled locksmith is also able to work with skeleton, antique, and vehicle keys. 

If you need key duplication for your home, car, or business, turn to the skilled locksmiths at Cohen’s Key Shop of New Haven, CT. They have been dedicated to customers across New Haven County since 1897. Their expert locksmiths get the job done no matter the level of security you’d like for your lock. Call (203) 397-3528 to discuss your needs, or visit their website to learn more about their services.