Every trade professional has tools that they use to get the job done. That includes locksmiths, who rely on various tools on a day-to-day basis. Not only are locksmiths adept at using lockpicking tools, but they are also specialists in key cutting. Key cutting is, of course, the process used to make new keys for a set of locks. Keys have been around for centuries, and the process for creating keys changes on a regular basis. Today, most locksmiths rely on key-cutting machinery to get the job done.

Given that just over one-third of UK citizens will lose – or have lost – their keys at least once in their lives, key replacements are a commonly provided service. Locksmiths especially find themselves replacing keys on a regular basis. However, key-cutting machines come in many forms. Some are very basic, while others are more specific and advanced. What types are available?

We spoke with an expert Sheffield locksmith to find out their professional views on the different types of key cutting machines available today. Find out more about each of the available options below.

Why Do People Need New Keys Cut In The First Place?

Key cutting is one of the most regularly provided services by locksmiths. The reason why a locksmith might need to use one of their key-cutting machines varies, though. The most common reasons include:

• A customer has asked for a set of spare keys to be made, duplicating their old keys to create a backup set. Given how many of us lose our keys, having a spare set is always ideal!
• Spare keys are often created, too, for giving to people such as trade professionals, family members, and people that we can trust, such as our neighbours. 
• Keys have been lost; again, this is a common request for locksmiths. People lose their keys for all manner of reasons, and locksmiths then need to create replacement keys.
• Keys have been stolen, much like the above, but with more nefarious intent. Most victims of key theft want to have new locks installed and new keys cut as soon as possible.
• Wear and tear. Keys are like any other object; over time, through repeated use, they can begin to wear out and lose their effectiveness. Locksmiths can create new, working models.
• Keys break. It sounds like something that does not happen very often, but keys can break thanks to all manner of reasons. When that happens, people need new keys cut ASAP.

These are the most common reasons why someone might need to have keys cut. Regardless of why a key is required, though, locksmiths know that to get the best results, they will need to use one of the many key-cutting machines on the market. Let’s take a look at the kind of machinery available.

The Main Types Of Key Cutting Machines Available Today

Given that keys come in all shapes and sizes, locksmiths require a wide range of different key-cutting machines to cover every base. The most common forms of key cutting machines used today include:

Manual Key Cutting Machines

The most obvious starting place is manual key-cutting machines. These are operated without any real support for the locksmith; as such, they are more prone to error and mistakes in the cutting process. A locksmith will use the base key as the guide and cut around that as best they can to create a near-identical replica of that key. 

Automatic Key Cutting Machines

The best choice for most locksmiths, at least when cutting standard key types, is to use an automated key cutter. These machines tend to be very effective and accurate, reducing the workload of the locksmith and thus speeding up the results without sacrificing accuracy. The two keys – the base key and the new key – will be placed into the machine and cut automatically. You also get semi-automatic key-cutting machines, which take out much of the manual work for the locksmith. 

Laser Key Cutting Machines

Many locksmiths today turn to using laser-guided key-cutting machines. These are much like the automated key-cutting machines that we mentioned above, but they do not use a blade to cut the key. That means that there is less clean-up work required after cutting as the cut is cleaner, smoother, and more accurate. They are extremely precise and ideal for keys that need additional features or focus.

Specific Key Cutting Machines

You also get key-cutting machines that are designed for specific key types. This can include keys such as keys for Euro cylinder locks, mortice locks, and specific shapes such as tubular locks. You also get dual cutting machines, which are used by mobile locksmiths who want to get the job done without having to head back to their headquarters to cut the keys. 

How Much Does It Cost To Have Keys Cut?

Really, the cost of having new keys cut or duplicate keys created varies. Some of the determining factors in the cost of having keys cut include:

• The type of keys which are being created: certain key types require more specialist machinery to create and thus come with a higher cost. 
• The cheapest keys to have cut are often standard door and window keys; security keys for items like safes tend to be among the most expensive.
• Whether or not the keys are being made from scratch. Bespoke keys take longer and thus cost more, while duplicates of already existing keys take less time and cost less.

Generally, you can expect the cost of traditional key cutting to be anything from around £4 to £5. Larger keys, such as those for mortice locks, can cost £5+. Meanwhile, more specific key types, such as security keys, take longer to cut and need specialist techniques. These tend to cost in the region of £15 to have cut. Other key types are likely to be more bespoke and thus prices vary significantly. 

I Need New Keys Cut: Should I Use A Locksmith?

In a word? Yes! Cutting keys is a specialist job that requires specialist machinery. It is also a task that requires extreme attention to detail, accuracy, and focus. This is NOT a job that you should leave to an amateur. Hiring a professional locksmith to cut your keys comes with the guarantee of:

• Quality results that you can trust to make sure your new keys are compatible with your locks.
• Attention to detail, making sure that the keys are properly cut and thus will last longer.
• The best quality of materials, guaranteeing that keys are made from less brittle metals.
• Access to the best equipment so that you know the key cuts are made with real precision.

If you hire an amateur, you run the risk of receiving keys which are in no way fit for the purpose. Many amateur key cutters use equipment which is outdated; they also lack the precision as well as the best quality key templates and materials. That means your new keys are far less likely to last.

There is also the worrying fact that, when cut by an amateur, you run the risk of your keys being copied. A locksmith will never create a secondary set of keys that they then keep for their own use. 

You never know what someone has done when they create your new keys; they might create a spare set that they can use to access your home or business.

Given the relatively cheap cost of using a locksmith to cut your keys, it makes no sense to go to any other source. When you need keys cut, turn to a professional you can trust. 

Key cutting machinery is not only expensive, but requires years of experience to master; never put our security at risk by hiring anyone other than a locksmith.