When you need to get a key made, you may not know exactly where to turn. Most people immediately think of their local car dealership, but are unaware that other options exist.
And sometimes, your need isn’t always straightforward. You may need to duplicate or get a new car key but you’ve lost the original.
Or sometimes you simply just need a spare copy. All these things will factor into your decision about where to go.
In this post, we’re going to give you 3 options for places where you can get a key made.
Hardware Store
Your local hardware store can be a convenient place to go.
Most simple common car and door keys can be made there, including transponder keys.
However, one con of the hardware store is that you will need to have the original key on hand.
They do not have the programming or diagnostic tools to make you a replacement without the original.
Additionally, you will be significantly limited as to what kinds can be copied. Unless the key is very simple,
you will probably have to visit a technician who has more key cutting and programming equipment.
So, if you have a simple key, have the original on hard, then a hardware store is your easiest, cheapest option.
Automated Kiosk
An increasingly popular place to make a copy is KeyMe.
KeyMe is a company that installs kiosks at various locations around your city (Bed Bath & Beyond, 7-Eleven, Rite Aid, etc…)
You visit the kiosk, go through the prompts on screen and make your key. You do not need an employee to help.
And with some ahead of time thinking, you can even use KeyMe to replace a key without the original. You simply just need to scan your key and store that information in their app.
That way, if something happens, they have your key information stored and you’ll be able to make a new key in the future.
The con with choosing KeyMe is that problems are hard to rectify without a trained professional on hand.
You can make mistakes when scanning your key, and operator errors are possible as well.
And because you are essentially the one to complete the service, there’s little that a customer service rep can do over the phone.
Mobile Locksmiths
There are locksmiths with storefronts open all around your town. However, another convenient option for getting a new copy is calling a mobile locksmith.
They complete all the services a normal locksmith does, only they travel to your location!
When you’re in a bind and need a new copy fast, no one else can match their flexibility and versatility. And best of all, you don’t even need the original.
The cons of calling a mobile locksmith is that you will have to weed through many companies listed online in order to find a legitimate business.
Mobile locksmith fraud is huge, so you’ll need to be careful to choose one who is licensed, bonded, and insured – even if your state doesn’t require it (because not all states do.)