Missoula Locksmith Services
Whether you need to duplicate a key for your house or your car, it pays to know what the true cost is. While it’s true that there are plenty of hardware stores and locksmiths that will provide you with a key copied, it’s important to understand that the costs can vary greatly. Here are some of the more common factors that can affect the cost of key duplication.
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Choosing a reputable and reliable locksmith is essential. Not only do they provide key duplication services, but they can also help you with deadbolts and other home and car security measures. They can also help you unlock your car or change the locks if the locks need it.
The best way to determine what the true cost of key duplication will be is to consider the types of keys that need to be copied and where you live. For instance, a key to your car may be worth $30, while a key to your house might cost less. This can vary greatly, as some locksmiths offer the service while others don’t. If you’re lucky enough to have a reputable locksmith in your area, it pays to call ahead to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Aside from key duplication, there are plenty of other options for getting your hands on a duplicate key. You can either take your key to a locksmith or buy one online. A locksmith might have a larger selection of blanks, but their fees are often higher than that of a hardware store.
Another option is to make your own copy. This can be done by using a simple tabletop vice and hand file, or by using one of the many key duplication machines available in many hardware and home improvement stores. The cost of this option is usually a fraction of that of buying a machine. The key to a cheap and successful key copy is to get the right size blank. You can also buy blanks in bulk for pennies apiece.
A key duplication machine can cost more than $500, so it pays to know what you’re getting before you buy. You should also keep in mind that the cost of key duplication varies widely, depending on the brand of machine you buy and your location. In addition to local hardware stores, you might also be able to find key duplication machines at national chains such as Walmart. Most locations will have a freestanding machine, while others will have self-serve kiosks run by Walmart staff. Using a machine to copy a key is a good idea if you can’t afford to buy a new key for your car.
Using a machine to duplicate a key is a good idea based on cost, but you should also keep in mind that it’s usually a labor-intensive process. Using a machine is an inexpensive option, but the cost of labor will probably be higher than a locksmith’s fee.