Missoula Locksmith Services

If you’re a locksmith, or you just want to be able to make your own car keys, you need to know how the process works. The good news is that it’s actually pretty easy, and once you learn a few things, you can take the necessary steps to get yourself set up for success. 

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Identify What Kind of Car Keys You Need

The first thing that a locksmith will do when making a new car key is to determine what kind of car it is. This is done through the use of specialized software and is very important because different vehicles have different requirements for a new key blank. 

This can range from a basic mechanical key that is attached to your doors, boot, and ignition, or even a remote-control fob that is used for unlocking and locking doors and starting the engine. In either case, you can expect the locksmith to be able to make a duplicate for your vehicle. 

Next, the locksmith will use the same information as the original key to cut a brand new one using what’s called ‘visual decoding’ or ‘code cutting. This process takes a little bit of time but is usually the best option for getting a new key that works and won’t break or become damaged in any way. 

Once the new key has been cut to the appropriate specifications, it’s then time to program it to the lock. This is an important part of the entire process, and a good locksmith will be able to get it right on the first try. 

Depending on what kind of lock it is, your locksmith may need to do some extra work when creating a new key. For example, if you have an antique lock, such as on an old safe or medicine cabinet, your locksmith may need to use a technique known as ‘casting’. 

It’s a technique that works well in locksmiths’ hands, but it can be dangerous to try if you’re not careful. For this reason, you should always give the locksmith your VIN number and key code before he or she gets started. 

After the key has been programmed, you’ll be able to use it to open your vehicle and start the engine. In this way, you’ll be able to drive your car with confidence and avoid having it stolen by a stranger. 

Then, you’ll need to have a backup key made. It’s highly recommended to have a spare car key on hand at all times in case the main key is ever lost. 

There are a few tools that a locksmith should always keep on hand in their arsenal of equipment. These include a laser key cutter and a key duplicator. They can both be very useful for cutting and programming keys in a fraction of the time that it would take to do it by hand.