How Long Does It Take For A Locksmith To Make A Key? 

When you are locked out of your home or car, you may wonder how long a locksmith will take to make a key. The answer is, it depends. Some locksmiths will take less than 10 minutes to unlock a simple lock, but more complex systems can require an hour or two of work. To get a quick estimate, call your local professional and ask about their turnaround time. 

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A lot of factors go into the process of making a key. The type of key you need will also affect the time it takes for the job to be done. There are some common types of keys that can be made by most locksmiths, but the process may be a bit more complicated if you have a rare or exotic key. 

The process of making a working key may involve some fad technologies, such as a “do not duplicate” key, but that does not mean it is impossible. While there are no guarantees, you should be able to get your key cut, coded, and programmed in a reasonable amount of time. In some cases, you can even leave a spare key with a trusted friend or neighbor. 

A standard key can be duplicated in under five minutes, and an experienced locksmith should be able to open most vehicles in the same amount of time. For more complex systems, you will probably need to call the dealership or have the system repaired. This is not always possible, however, so if you are stuck, a good locksmith should be able to provide a fast and accurate solution. 

Another nifty piece of technology is a “Blue Punch” key clipper. This is an accurate and easy to use device that allows you to choose the depth of the cut. As a bonus, the tool is also available as an online app, so you can easily re-create the same key if you lose it. 

Using a key cutting machine, a professional locksmith should be able to replace your key in about 30 minutes. Depending on the complexity of the system, a replacement key can cost anywhere from $60 to $200. However, some companies charge extra for emergency callouts, so if you are locked out, it is a good idea to budget for some extra time. 

Despite what your local locksmith might tell you, there is no silver bullet when it comes to the answer to the question, how long will a locksmith take to make a key? Several factors can impact the length of your wait, including weather, traffic, and other jobs in the queue. Your locksmith might not be able to cut a transponder key, which would entail more than the usual programming. Luckily, you can find a number of self-service kiosks in big box chains, where you can quickly and efficiently make a key, but you should avoid them if possible. 

If you are locked out, you might be wondering if the same locksmith that opened your door can also cut a key. It’s true that some locksmiths may be able to copy your existing key, but they aren’t going to have the tools or expertise to do so.