Why would I need to duplicate my key?

There are many reasons to duplicate a key. Maybe your children are at that age where they can start going out with their friends at the weekend. You don’t want to be waiting around for them all day and night, so giving them their own key means you can also go about your business and enjoy your weekend. Going on holiday? Having a spare key to pass to your neighbour, family member, or friend so they can keep an eye on your house will save you worrying whilst you’re enjoying your time away. Plus, they can water your plants for you, so you won’t come home to them looking worse for wear. Maybe you just want the safety net of having a spare key in case yours gets misplaced. After all, key duplication costs less than key replacement. It’s worth noting – key duplication is different to getting a key replaced. If you’ve got your key stuck in a lock or have lost it, you’ll need to get it replaced.

Where can I get my key duplicated?

Most locksmiths can duplicate keys, so finding somewhere to get your key duplicated couldn’t be easier. Simply search for locksmiths in your area and give them a visit. An experienced locksmith should be able to do a simple key duplication in seconds. Bear in mind, though, that locksmiths aren’t regulated by the government. Choosing a locksmith that is a member of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) would be a wise decision to ensure you’re working with the most trusted of locksmiths. Although key duplication is fairly straightforward, some keys require proof of ownership as they are cut to code, meaning only the owner can get them duplicated. This will have been explained to you when first buying your lock and key – you may need to show your ID or the card that is sometimes provided with these keys when first bought. At NLS Security, our northeast-based locksmiths are all MLA qualified and offer a quality service at the most competitive prices around. Give us a call on 0191 238 6000 to find out more.

How is a key duplicated?

Your locksmith will most likely use a dual key cutting machine when duplicating your key. Simply put, this machine uses your original key as a template to guide it when cutting your new, duplicate key. So, when one part of the machine is tracing your original key, another part is cutting the key teeth and pattern into a blank key which will be turned into an identical key by the end of this process. Key duplication can seem quite straightforward when explained, but it takes real skill to master the technique. If you would like to speak to one of our experts about getting your key duplicated, give us a call on 0191 238 6000. Alternatively, you can email us at info@nlssecurity.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form – we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

How much will it cost to get my key duplicated?

At the minute, locksmiths aren’t regulated by the government, so the cost of getting your key duplicated varies depending on your locksmith, as well as where you’re located in the country. The cost could also vary depending on the type of key you want duplicating. The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) have put together a locksmith price guide which should give you an idea of the average price of key duplication. It’s always worth checking that your locksmith is a member of the MLA, as this means their work is regularly inspected and they have been DBS checked. Here at NLS Security, we’re proud members of the MLA. If you would like to find out more about the cost of key duplication, you can contact our experts by calling 0191 238 6000.

Blog Post

The cost of key duplication

Stephen Wylde • Jul 21, 2020

Want to know how much key duplication will cost?

It’s a question we get asked all the time, here at NLS Security. After all, there are several reasons why people wish to have duplicate copies of their keys.

Having an identical copy – be it your car key, house key or safe key – will reduce the inconvenience (and frustration!) of being locked out. For instance, if you’re on the driveway and realise that the key isn’t in the pocket you thought it was, you can nip back into the house and pick up your spare.

To be clear, you need to have the physical key at hand. If you don’t have the key – either because you’ve lost it and don’t carry a spare, or it’s broken in the lock – it’s not key duplication you need, but perhaps key cutting or replacement instead.

Like anything several factors determine the cost and, to help, we thought we’d walk you through them in today’s blog.

1. What type of key do you need duplicating?

First things first, ask yourself what key is it that you need a copy of. Is it for your car or the front door to your house?

If it’s your car key, the model of your vehicle plays an important part as this directly influences the type of key blank required. The cost of key duplication can be significantly higher if you drive a really old car model, luxury car or need a key that has additional features (something that most traditional keys don’t have).

The good news is that, here at NLS Security, we have an extensive range of key blanks to choose from at our retail shop in Newcastle and are confident that we can help – no matter what key you want duplicating.

2. Where is the duplicate made?

The cost of key duplication services will vary depending on where you go to get the key duplicated. For instance, will you take your key to the nearest hardware store, a local car dealership (if it’s your car key), or a trusted locksmith, like us at NLS ?

Although all three are viable options, many people opt to go direct to the dealership or an experienced locksmith as they have been expertly trained to duplicate keys and have unrivalled experience in this field.

3. What type of duplication machine is used?

Something else that can impact on the cost of key duplication is the type of machine used. It can influence the length of time it takes to make a duplicate copy and the level of precision.

Although it may seem daft, the longer it takes to complete a cut, the more you can expect to pay. In the same way, it simply wouldn’t be fair to price more precise cuts the same as those that require less precision.

Want a detailed quote for key duplication services near you?

Great – get in touch with the team, here at NLS Security. We are always on hand to help and will be happy to discuss your requirements in further detail. Once we know a little bit about the key you want duplicating and how soon you need it, we can then offer a fair price for our key duplication service.

Feel free to drop us an email at info@nlssecurity.co.uk , or give us a call on 0191 238 6000 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I need to duplicate my key?

There are many reasons to duplicate a key.

Maybe your children are at that age where they can start going out with their friends at the weekend. You don’t want to be waiting around for them all day and night, so giving them their own key means you can also go about your business and enjoy your weekend.

Going on holiday? Having a spare key to pass to your neighbour, family member, or friend so they can keep an eye on your house will save you worrying whilst you’re enjoying your time away. Plus, they can water your plants for you, so you won’t come home to them looking worse for wear.

Maybe you just want the safety net of having a spare key in case yours gets misplaced. After all, key duplication costs less than key replacement.

It’s worth noting – key duplication is different to getting a key replaced. If you’ve got your key stuck in a lock or have lost it, you’ll need to get it replaced.
Where can I get my key duplicated?

Most locksmiths can duplicate keys, so finding somewhere to get your key duplicated couldn’t be easier.

Simply search for locksmiths in your area and give them a visit. An experienced locksmith should be able to do a simple key duplication in seconds.

Bear in mind, though, that locksmiths aren’t regulated by the government. Choosing a locksmith that is a member of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) would be a wise decision to ensure you’re working with the most trusted of locksmiths.

Although key duplication is fairly straightforward, some keys require proof of ownership as they are cut to code, meaning only the owner can get them duplicated. This will have been explained to you when first buying your lock and key – you may need to show your ID or the card that is sometimes provided with these keys when first bought.

At NLS Security, our northeast-based locksmiths are all MLA qualified and offer a quality service at the most competitive prices around. Give us a call on 0191 238 6000 to find out more.
How is a key duplicated?

Your locksmith will most likely use a dual key cutting machine when duplicating your key.

Simply put, this machine uses your original key as a template to guide it when cutting your new, duplicate key. So, when one part of the machine is tracing your original key, another part is cutting the key teeth and pattern into a blank key which will be turned into an identical key by the end of this process.

Key duplication can seem quite straightforward when explained, but it takes real skill to master the technique.

If you would like to speak to one of our experts about getting your key duplicated, give us a call on 0191 238 6000.

Alternatively, you can email us at info@nlssecurity.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form – we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
How much will it cost to get my key duplicated?

At the minute, locksmiths aren’t regulated by the government, so the cost of getting your key duplicated varies depending on your locksmith, as well as where you’re located in the country.

The cost could also vary depending on the type of key you want duplicating.

The Master Locksmith Association (MLA) have put together a locksmith price guide which should give you an idea of the average price of key duplication. It’s always worth checking that your locksmith is a member of the MLA, as this means their work is regularly inspected and they have been DBS checked.

Here at NLS Security, we’re proud members of the MLA.

If you would like to find out more about the cost of key duplication, you can contact our experts by calling 0191 238 6000.