Why It’s Best to Duplicate Keys

Duplicating keys is a sound home safety practice. It gives homeowners peace of mind knowing they have a spare key if the original is misplaced. Having your keys duplicated can have a range of other benefits:

Saving money and time

Duplicate keys save money and time. Without spare keys, people may spend unnecessary time searching for a lost key until they decide it’s time to contact a locksmith for a new one.

Providing access to a friend or family member

Giving family members a spare key can come in handy. If you are out of town for an extended period and need someone to check on the house or a pet, a duplicate key allows a friend or family member to complete both tasks.

Preventing accidental lockouts

Lockouts can happen to anyone. Getting locked out can be a significant cause for concern, especially if kids or pets are inside. To prepare for these possibilities and reduce the accompanying stress, have your keys duplicated.

Eliminating stress associated with broken keys

A broken key can be extremely stressful. Having it repaired can be time-consuming, preventing people from fulfilling their daily obligations. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to have one’s keys duplicated beforehand. Duplicates serve as trusty backups such that one may not even have to worry about getting the original fixed. Seasoned locksmiths pay close attention to the copying process, ensuring the copy is identical.

However, a duplicate may not do the trick sometimes, depending on how the key breaks. If it breaks inside the lock, you may need emergency locksmith services to pry it out. Trying to unlock the door with a spare key is pointless in this case.

What should you keep in mind when duplicating keys?

It is tempting to have a key cut at a big box hardware store. However, they may not have the widest range of key stock,and their duplication machines are often of poorer quality when compared to those at the locksmith. 

By contrast, professional locksmith companies have a wide variety of keys that can be cut to your specifications. And since they work with multiple duplicating machines, getting a new key will take no time. Plus, their high-quality craftsmanship ensures exceptional durability.

Here’s what homeowners should do once they’ve had their keys copied:

• Hide the spare keys or give them to a trusted person, such as a neighbor or friend.

• If the copy can’t be found, have the locks changed as soon as possible.

• Inscribe the duplicate with “do not duplicate” (DND).

Kwik Pick Lock and Safe offers FREE lockout service for children or pets. If you need locksmith services for your Surprise, El Mirage, or Phoenix home or auto, call today! Bill 623-300-1889.