Locksmiths supply, install, check and repair many kinds of locks. They also advise clients on how to improve the security of their homes or business premises.

The locksmiths are very qualified personnel. His work includes all the steps, from the simple job of reproducing a key to the emergency opening procedures and the installation of advanced security systems. And although many people do not know, locksmiths can make keys.

How Can A Locksmith Make A Key To A Lock?

1. Cut the key to encode

Cutting the key to manufacture could be the easiest way for a locksmith to make a key to a lock. However, the fact that it is relatively easy does not mean that it is a viable solution for all types of blockages. A key code is a set of characters that is used to create a key for a specific block.

Usually, these locks have their key codes printed on the body of the lock, so all the locksmith should do is locate the key code and make the key based on that code. In order for a locksmith to be able to make a key from a lock by means of the key code, they will need to use a code cutter.

The important part of the process is to correctly insert the blank space of the key into the cutter, and also make sure that the correct code cutter blade is being used.

2. Printing the lock

In short, printing a lock allows a locksmith to make a key to a lock without having to disassemble the entire cylinder from the lock or rely on the decoding of the lock. Although printing can be an efficient process for locksmiths, it is not easy to learn or execute. It requires a lot of practice and fine adjustment, similar to the practice of blockade blocking.

On the surface, the impression of a block seems to be quite simple. The locksmith will insert the corresponding blank key in the lock and then turn it, to tie the pins inside the cylinder of the lock. It is crucial that the pins are tied because this will help you mark the sections that should be filed in your blank key. Since there are several pins inside a lock, it will be necessary to make several cuts in the blank space of the key. Therefore, the locksmith will usually repeat the cycle by moving the blank key in and out of the lock several times. Once all the necessary marks have been made, the locksmith will file the blank key to create a work key.

Once you start to immerse yourself more in the impressions, things start to get a little complicated, that’s why many locksmiths say that the practice is key to fine-tune this skill. The locksmith must make sure that he has gathered the necessary tools to execute the work correctly and print the lock. These tools consist mainly of the proper blank key, a file, and a vice grip.

The blank key is probably the most important tool in this process, and choosing the correct one is a determining factor in determining whether or not to print the lock successfully. However, not all of these blanks are adequate for the printing process. The reason is that, in the end, printing requires the application of force. Which means that you must choose a blank space for the key that is strong, but not too strong to be archived.

For a locksmith, the lock is as important as the blank key in this process, since it makes it much easier for a locksmith to make a key to a lock. Typically, a locksmith will choose (or use both) a 6-inch Swiss # 4 round file or a pippin file. 

As with most procedures that a locksmith must perform, printing requires a good balance, so it is important to make sure that the correct amount of pressure is applied.

The use of a small grip vice makes this much easier to achieve. Ideally, it should be used to keep the key blank in its place, and also as a mechanism to apply the necessary amount of tension.

3. Remove the lock

The disassembly of the lock is usually carried out when the key of the code cannot be cut, or if it is not successful in its attempt to print the lock. In general, the locksmiths disassemble the entire lock cylinder to try to reverse engineer the alignment key and the height of the pins inside the lock cylinder.

Disassembling the lock is a much more difficult process for locksmiths to perform compared to printing the key. However, as I pointed out earlier, it is not always possible to print a key successfully and make it work as it is supposed to, so some locksmiths often have to resort to dismantling the lock.

It is important that the lock is disarmed in a non-destructive manner, to ensure that none of the internal mechanisms inside the lock cylinder is damaged or out of alignment.

Due to the absence of an original work key, the locksmiths will probably have to open the lock to disassemble it correctly. The purpose of dismantling the lock is to gain access to the pins housed inside the cylinder. This will allow a locksmith to take direct measurements of the internal components and pins inside the lock cylinder.

Key points

• For a locksmith to make a key to a lock, you can try to cut a new key to the code, print the lock or disassemble the lock cylinder to measure its internal components.
• A locksmith will require the use of additional tools to carry out some of the processes discussed above.
• Non-destructive entry methods are ideal when a locksmith is removing a padlock because it does not destroy any of the internal components of the lock.
• Some locks have specific characteristics that prevent the use of a lock to make a key, and it is almost impossible to make a key without having access to the original key.
• In some cases, it is much more affordable and convenient for a locksmith to replace your locks, rather than trying to make a new key to a lock.

Conclusion

Can a locksmith make a key to a lock? If you can! I hope that the previous article has shown you the ways in which you can answer this question, while also exploring some of the limitations that could arise in a scenario like this. I should point out that you should avoid trying to carry out these solutions on your own so that it does not inflict any unwanted damage on your lock. Try not to scratch the DIY itch and let a locksmith help you make a key to a lock.