By the Prime Locksmith Team | AV Locksmith LLC, Texas DPS Licensed Locksmith Company, License #B31141501

A spare key is one of the simplest ways to prevent a lockout. Yet many people have had a copied key that sticks, does not turn or simply does not work. As locksmiths who cut keys every day in our mobile service vehicles, we want to explain what can be duplicated and how to make sure your spare works the first time.

Home and Office Keys We Duplicate

Residential keys

Most San Antonio homes use one of two common keyways, and we cut copies for both, along with the other brands you will find on local homes:

• Kwikset (KW1), the most common keyway on builder-grade locks, including Kwikset SmartKey locks
• Schlage (SC1 and SC4), found on many deadbolts, handlesets and lever sets
• Weiser, Yale, Baldwin and Defiant residential locks
• Storm door, patio door and garage entry door keys
• Padlock keys for brands such as Master Lock and ABUS
• Your own mailbox lock key (USPS-controlled master locks cannot be copied)

Office and commercial keys

• Commercial-grade Schlage, Yale, Sargent and Corbin Russwin locks
• Interchangeable core (SFIC) keys used on many office and retail doors, for authorized key holders
• Desk, file cabinet and locker keys, often cut by the code number stamped on the lock
• Master key system change keys, with authorization from the property owner or manager
• Restricted and high-security keys such as Medeco, Mul-T-Lock and ASSA, which can only be ordered through authorized channels with the owner’s signed authorization

Car Key Types and Brands We Work With

Car keys have changed a lot over the years. These are the main types we cut and program:

• Standard metal keys for older vehicles without a chip
• Transponder chip keys, used on most vehicles built since the late 1990s
• Remote head keys, with the lock and unlock buttons built into the key
• Flip keys, where the blade folds into the fob
• Laser-cut (sidewinder) high-security keys
• Smart keys and proximity fobs for push-to-start vehicles

Domestic brands

Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram.

Asian brands

Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi.

European brands

Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Mini. Some newer European models require dealer-level security access, so call with your year, make and model and we will tell you upfront whether we can make your key on-site.

Why Some Copied Keys Do Not Work

Copying a worn key

A key duplicator traces the key you bring in. If your original is worn down, the copy will be worn down too, or slightly worse. When we can, we cut keys to the original factory code or decode the lock, so the new key matches the lock rather than the wear on an old key.

The wrong blank

Many key blanks look alike but have slightly different grooves, lengths or thickness. Using the wrong one can produce a key that slides in but binds or will not turn.

Poor machine calibration

Precision matters. We use professional key machines, including computerized cutters for laser-cut and high-security style keys.

Keys That Need More Than a Copy

Most modern car keys contain a transponder chip. Cutting the blade is only half the job, because the chip must also be programmed to your vehicle before it will start the engine. We handle both steps.

Some commercial and high-security keys use restricted or patented keyways. Blanks for these systems are controlled, and copies can only be made through an authorized source with the proper authorization from the owner. Keys stamped Do Not Duplicate are a request to locksmiths, and we respect the key control policies of property owners and managers.

Tips for a Spare That Works

• Have your best working key ready for us, not the most worn one.
• Test the new key in every lock it should open before you need it.
• If you just moved in, consider rekeying first so the spares you make are for locks only you control.
• Do not label keys with your address.

Need a Spare Key?

Prime Locksmith is a mobile locksmith, so we cut spare keys wherever you are in San Antonio. Call (210) 762-4327 or visit primelocksmithsa.com to request service. Hours: Sunday to Thursday 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed Saturday.

About the Author: This article was written by the Prime Locksmith team, the mobile auto, residential and commercial locksmiths behind AV Locksmith LLC, DBA Prime Locksmith. Prime Locksmith is a Texas DPS licensed locksmith company (License #B31141501) and a BBB Accredited Business serving the greater San Antonio area.