Have you ever found yourself frantically searching for a spare key to your house or car, only to realize that you don’t have one? Key duplication is a standard solution to this problem, but it’s essential to do it right. From choosing the wrong type of key blank to not verifying the copy before leaving the store, several mistakes can lead to frustration and wasted time.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the top 5 key duplication mistakes you should avoid to save yourself from unnecessary headaches and hassles.
Introduction to Key Duplication Mistakes
If you’re a homeowner, you know many keys are involved in keeping your home secure. From your house keys to your car keys, keeping track of them and ensuring they’re always accounted for is essential. That’s why avoiding making mistakes when duplicating your keys is crucial.
Mistake #1: Not Having the Right Equipment
One of the most common mistakes people make while duplicating keys is to have the right equipment. With the proper tools, getting an accurate key copy can be easy.
Mistake #2: Wrongly Measuring Key Specifications
When measuring the key specifications of a potential duplicate key, be sure to use the actual measurements of the original key. Many people make the mistake of using an estimation of the original key’s measures, which can lead to an incorrect fit and potentially costly damages.
Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Type of Key
One of the most common mistakes people make when duplicating a key is choosing the wrong type. There are various types of keys, each with a specific purpose. If you choose the wrong type of key, it can either not work at all, or it could damage your lock.
When choosing a key, you need to consider what type of lock you have and what the key will be used for. If you are still determining which kind of key to choosing, consult a residential locksmith.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Key Security Features
When it comes to key duplication, one of the most common mistakes is ignoring key security features. Many people assume all keys are created equal, but this isn’t true. Various security features can be built into keys, and ignoring these features can put you at risk.
Some of the most common key security features include:
Restricted Keyways: A restricted keyway is a unique keyway that can only be used with specific keys. If someone tries to duplicate your key without your permission, they won’t be able to use the copied key.
Key Control: Key control systems allow you to track who has access to your keys and when they access them. This is an important feature if you want to track who has access to your home or office.
High-Security Keys: High-security keys are designed to resist picking and bumping. They typically have additional pins or other security features, making them much more difficult to duplicate without authorization.
Ignoring these key security features can leave you vulnerable to theft, unauthorized access, and even identity theft. If you’re concerned about protecting your home or business, choose a reputable locksmith who can provide high-quality keys with the latest security features.
Mistake #5: Skipping Quality Assurance Checks
One of the essential steps in the key duplication process is quality assurance (QA). This step ensures that the keys being produced meet the specifications set forth by the customer.
Skipping QA checks can lead to several problems, including:
- Keys that do not fit properly in the lock
- Keys that are not cut correctly
- Incorrectly programmed transponder keys
These problems can cause a great deal of frustration and waste time and money. To avoid these issues, perform QA checks at every stage of the key duplication process.
Read More: 4 Ways a Locksmith Can Improve Your Business Security
Conclusion
Key duplication is an important task, and it’s essential to avoid making mistakes.
Following the tips outlined above, one can get a perfect copy of your key without trouble. Taking the time to research different options and ensuring that you have the right tools for the job will go a long way in helping you make sure that your keys are duplicated properly.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to hire someone who is skilled in performing the duplication process without observing any key duplication mistakes. Our teams can make keys confidently so you can rest easy with our services.
Are you looking for an expert locksmith? Contact Fast Response Locksmith at 470-361-9192.
We have a team of locksmith experts who are always on standby to cater to your emergency situations.
