Can a locksmith make a key without the original?

Yes, in most cases. A hardware store counter needs a key to trace. A locksmith does not. They can work from the lock itself and cut a new key that fits it, or reset the lock to a brand new key. Which one makes sense depends on why the original is gone.

This guide covers home and business locks only: house doors, deadbolts, padlocks, cabinets, sheds, and similar. Roger does not handle car keys or vehicles of any kind.

First: why is there no key?

• Lost or stolen. Someone else may have it. A copy of the old key keeps their access alive. Rekeying is usually the better answer here.
• Never had one. You moved in, bought a cabinet or a shed, or found a lock with no key. Nobody you know of has a key, so making one to fit the lock can be fine, but if it is a door to your home, a rekey still closes the question of who else has a copy.
• The only key broke or wore out. If you have the pieces, keep them. A locksmith may be able to read the cuts from them.
• Locked out right now. Getting you in comes first. Most house locks can be opened without drilling, and the key question gets handled once you are inside.

How a locksmith makes a key from the lock

• Rekeying. The locksmith removes the cylinder, takes out the old pins, and sets new ones to match a fresh key. The old key, wherever it is, stops working. This is the most common answer for house doors.
• Cutting by code. Some locks come with a key code stamped on the key, on the lock, or on the packaging or paperwork. With the code, a locksmith can cut a key to the original specification without seeing any key.
• Decoding the lock. The locksmith reads the pin depths from the cylinder, by taking it apart or with decoding tools, and cuts a key to match. The lock keeps working exactly as it did.
• Impressioning. A blank key goes into the lock and the locksmith files it bit by bit, using the marks the pins leave, until it turns. It takes skill and patience, and it is useful on locks that are hard to remove.

Copy the old key, or rekey?

If you know where every old key is, or there never was one, a new key cut to the existing lock is fine. If you do not know who has the old key, rekey. A key made to the old lock opens it for whoever has the lost one too.

Rekeying usually costs less than a new lock, and several locks can be set to one key in the same visit. If the lock is worn, damaged, or low quality, replacing it may make more sense, and the locksmith can tell you which once they see it.

What to have ready

• Proof you are allowed to have a key made. A photo ID with the address, a lease, a utility bill, or a deed. A reputable locksmith asks before cutting a key to a door, and that protects you as well.
• Any code you can find. Check old paperwork, the original box, the face of the lock, and the edge of the door. A code can save time.
• Pieces of a broken key, if you have them.
• Which locks need keys, and whether you want them all on one key.

When the answer is no, or not yet

• You rent. Many leases say only the landlord or property manager can change or rekey the locks or have keys cut. Ask them first.
• It is a restricted or high-security key. These use patented keyways and controlled blanks. New keys come through an authorized dealer, often only with the registered owner's card or signature. Expect it to take longer.
• It is a postal cluster mailbox. Those locks belong to the postal service or the building, not to you. Start with the post office or the property manager.
• You cannot show you are allowed in. A locksmith who cuts a key to any door for anyone is not one you want. Expect to be asked.

What moves the price

What moves the price is whether you are locked out or already inside, how many locks need keys, whether the locksmith rekeys, cuts by code, decodes, or impressions, whether the lock is a standard or restricted type, whether the lock should be replaced instead, and the time of day. You see a qualitative range up front, and the locksmith confirms the price in person after seeing the lock.

Booking through Roger

Describe what you need: which locks, whether the old key was lost, stolen, or never existed, whether you are locked out right now, and whether you want everything on one key. A photo of the lock face helps. Roger books one vetted local locksmith and confirms the appointment, so you know which company is coming. Home and business only.

You can describe the problem on rogerrepair.com and get one locksmith booked.