How a Locksmith Makes a Key? 

A locksmith is a professional who specializes in making new keys and replacing lost ones for locks. They also perform other lock-related services such as repairing or replacing damaged locks, installing a keyless entry system in your home or business, and changing locks. 

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Typically, they are asked to make a new key when one is lost or worn down or when there is an emergency situation. It could be a car key that was left in the trunk when it went missing or a house key that has been locked out. 

Sometimes a locksmith will also need to make a duplicate key from an existing key. In this case, the locksmith will first check if it is still functional and intact before cutting a copy. 

If a key is functional and intact, the next step is to determine what type of key blanks are needed for the specific lock. For example, if the locksmith is asked to make a car key, he will first take note of the make, model, and year of the vehicle to identify what kind of key blanks need to be made. 

Then, he will look at the key code and enter that into a specialized machine that can accurately cut new keys to the correct specifications. 

This can either be done with a computer-aided key cutter or a manual key cutter. On a code-cutting machine, pre-programmed key parameters are loaded into the software for proper cut depths. 

For a manual key cutter, the locksmith must first take impressions of the lock to see what cut depths are required. Using a specialized file, the locksmith will then make little marks that represent where the cuts should be. Once the locksmith has taken these impressions, they must then file down each mark and shave away the excess material on the key blank. This process can take a few minutes depending on the size of the key blank. 

A locksmith will typically start with a brass key blank, although it can be made out of aluminum or steel as well. A brass key blank is easier to spot the marks that are made on it when it is being impressed, and it is much softer than steel which makes it easier to file down. 

During this part of the procedure, the locksmith will apply a certain amount of tension on the key blank. This is to ensure that the key blank will turn inside of the lock and work properly. The amount of pressure that is applied on the key blank should be regulated to prevent the lock from breaking or causing damage to the key blank itself and to the locksmith. 

This is a fairly simple procedure that requires a lot of precision, as the locksmith must make sure that the tension on the key blank is just right. It should not be too tight, as this will only cause the lock to snap; nor should it be too loose, as this will only cause the lock to turn slightly and not smoothly.