How to get a Duplicate key without the original Key

Did you ever lose your car keys? If yes, then the need is to understand about making Duplicate key. It is important to explore ways to get a replacement car key without the original and focus on the options that can be used.

How to get a Duplicate key without the original

There are some important ways in which it is possible to make duplicate car keys without having the original one. These ways are as:

Visiting a Locksmith

The most appropriate way in obtaining a car key replacement is to contact a locksmith. A trip to the locksmith’s shop is the most preferable option regarding the duplication or change of a car key. They are experts and have the necessary equipment which can work for different types of car keys including the basic key, a transponder or key fobs and smart keys.

Go to you Carship Dealer

You can also go to any car dealership for car key duplication or replacement. This is important for vehicles that use advanced key technologies such as transponder keys, key cards, or even smart keys. All dealerships are authorized to access key codes and manufacturer details of your vehicle, which makes key duplication accurate. They are also capable of doing the electronic key programming that helps register a new key to the vehicle for the purpose of starting the security system and igniting the engine. Even though this service entails extra charges, it ensures optimum compatibility with the car.

Using Key duplication kiosks

Key duplication kiosks such as KeyMe or Minute Key can copy particular types of car keys in a very simple and quick way. These automated devices are usually placed at hardware stores, shopping centers, or big retail chains. Users simply insert their existing key into the machine, and a mechanical or standard transponder key will immediately be cut out for the user right at the kiosk. The application is easy to use and is sometimes even cheaper than going to visit a locksmith or authorized dealer.

Still, it should be noted that those machines are generally the basic automobile keys and old car key models only. Such systems are incapable of handling complex key types such as key fobs, smart keys, or those keys that require complex key programming. Still, these systems are helpful, but the lifeline might not be that effective with newer models of cars with high-tech keys.

Order Online from Car Key Replacement

If you want a duplicate car key, you can do it online. There is no need for a locksmith or a car dealership. Various online services can help you get a new car key by simply entering your particular car or using the VIN code. It’s usually cheaper this way, plus you do it at home. There are a lot of services that can deliver it to your doorstep where you will be physically getting a regular key; you will most probably still have to program the transponder keys, the key fobs, and, logically, smart keys. After that, follow the limit.

Ordering a key is easy to achieve and successfully concludes with the steps above for the endorsement, but a trip to the locksmith’s or the car dealership is prudent, as it is prudent to have the key coded for your car’s ignition lock system. It is important to copy key without original.

Using a local hardware Store

Going to a local hardware store to copy your car key isn’t a good option, but it is a fast one and doesn’t cost much, especially if you own an older model car fitted with a normal mechanical key. Most of the hardware stores possess key-cutting machines and employees sufficient to perform this activity within a few minutes. It is just the original key that you have, and the copy will be prepared in the store right away. Hence, this alternative is often confined to making copies of plain, non-electronic car keys. It will not work with newer cars that are equipped with transponder keys, key fobs, or smart keys, which cannot be replicated without special programming. 

Can a locksmith make a key without the original

Can locksmiths make car keys? Yes, a locksmith can make duplicate keys without any kind of issue. They are able to make duplicate keys even if you did not have the original. There are some steps that can be used by a locksmith, depending on the type of key.

Using Vehicle VIN Number

Locksmiths utilize the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to generate car keys without having the actual key. The ‘VIN’ is a series of characters that exist in every automobile, and one can usually locate it on the dashboard in front of the windscreen or on the driver’s door panel. In this case, a locksmith may refer to the vehicle’s master key, which contains its encoding information that corresponds to that vehicle’s information, such as their year, make, and model.

After confirming your claim of ownership over the car, the locksmith is able to pull out the code of the key and make a duplicate key that is an exact copy of the original. This method is especially efficient in new cars as it entails making a duplicate without manipulating the door lock or the actual key which can be costly and time-consuming.

Lock Decoding

Decoding the lock is a method employed by locksmiths to make a car key without the original. During this operation, the locksmith takes out the lock cylinder (usually the cylindrical mechanism located on the door or ignition) and examines its tumblers in detail. This internal masterpiece would hold the imprint of the distinctive configuration string of “cuts” for another key generated. This key cut contains the design and the depth of the cuts used on the key. In this manner, the locksmith is able to mold this missing piece to the door’s specifications, making it functional with the lock.

This is useful for older vehicles or especially for those who do not have key codes available. It is very time-consuming and precision-consuming. However, it is one of the most trustworthy methods and guarantees a perfect fitting key.

Impressioning

Impressioning is a common practice of using people’s locksmithing skills to clone a car key without the original. Therefore, this involves placing a blank key into the car lock and stirring its parts, such as pins or wafers, which will contact and make impressions on the blank key. The locksmith extracts the blank and inspects the marks left by pins, which show where cuts need to be made on the key to fit the lock. Using the above images, the locksmith designs the desired shape on the blank key by filing or cutting it in a controlled manner. This method focuses on the replication of mechanical keys and can be very advantageous for the older generations of cars. 

Programming Transponder Keys and Key Fobs

It is imperative that the programming of transponder keys and key fobs is done, without which it would be impossible to create a duplicate car key quite clearly, considering the fact that it is about modern cars with modern security systems. A transponder key has a microchip that interacts with the car’s ignition system and prohibits outsiders from entering the vehicle. Because cutting a transponder key for a specific vehicle requires access codes, a locksmith will first cut the actual physical key to the vehicle’s locks.

This way, the key code is programmed into the vehicle computer so that the particular key can be used to crank the engine. 

Preventing Future Key Loss

It is important to prevent key loss, which involves a few strategies that help to keep the car keys safe. The need is to consider using a key tracker, such as a Bluetooth device that allows locating the keys via a smartphone application. Using a keychain stands out as making the key more noticeable. Using a spare key made and kept in a secure location can save you from being locked out. Make sure to double-check that you have your keys before leaving the vehicle or any location to prevent leaving them behind.

FAQs

How can I duplicate my car key at home?

To make a key at home, heat up your original key with a lighter, then press it onto a piece of clear tape. Transfer the tape onto an expired credit card, then cut out the shape of the key with scissors. 

How do you program a key without the original?

Without the originals, it will be almost impossible to take the DIY route. An expert locksmith will reprogram the car key to your vehicle using special equipment. During this process, your locksmith will likely request for the car’s VIN. 

Can you get a second set of car keys made?

Many MLA locksmiths who provide a Auto Locksmith Service do Car Key Cutting / Car Key Programming.If you need extra key than set the car keys 

Conclusion

Losing the car keys does not have to lead to frustration as there are many methods available for duplicating the keys without the original. Whenever a person chooses to visit a locksmith, utilize key duplication kiosks, order online, or go to a dealership. Understanding the techniques locksmiths use, such as VIN decoding, impressions, and programming transponder keys, can help to make informed decisions. Being proactive by having a spare key and implementing preventive measures can further alleviate the stress associated with the key loss in the future.