Key Cutting in London: When You Need It and Where to Go

Key Cutting in London: When You Need It and Where to Go

Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, need a spare key for a family member, or want to avoid a lockout disaster, key cutting is a simple yet essential service that many Londoners will require at some point. While it may seem like a basic task, there’s more to key cutting than meets the eye—especially if you value precision, security, and long-lasting results.

At Locksmith CO, we provide fast, reliable key cutting services throughout London, using high-quality equipment and trusted techniques to ensure your new keys work perfectly, every time. In this article, we explain how key cutting works, when you should get it done, and where to go for expert service in London.

What Is Key Cutting?

Key cutting is the process of creating an exact copy of an existing key using a key cutting machine. It’s typically done by locksmiths or key specialists and involves:

• Placing the original key into a machine
• Tracing or reading its shape, grooves, and pattern
• Cutting a blank key to match the original
• Smoothing and testing the new key to ensure it works flawlessly

Professional key cutting can be done while you wait and usually takes just a few minutes for standard keys.

When Should You Get a Key Cut?

There are many situations where getting a spare or replacement key makes sense. Here are some of the most common:

1. You’ve Moved into a New Property

Whether you’re buying or renting, it’s important to take control of your home’s security. Even if the previous owner or landlord returns all keys, you can never be sure how many copies are still in circulation.

Best practice:

• Replace or rekey your locks
• Have new sets of keys cut for family members or housemates

2. You Need a Spare Key for Convenience or Emergencies

Having a spare key on hand helps you:

• Avoid lockouts
• Share access with trusted people (family, cleaner, dog walker, etc.)
• Keep a backup in a secure key safe or with a neighbour
• Don’t wait until a key is lost or broken—cut your spare in advance.

3. Your Current Key Is Worn or Damaged

Over time, keys can wear down, especially if they’re used frequently. A worn key may:

• Stick or jam in the lock
• Turn roughly or partially
• Eventually snap inside the lock

If your key is showing signs of wear, it’s best to have a new one cut before it fails completely.

4. You’ve Lost a Key but Still Have a Copy

If you’ve lost one key but still have another, cutting a duplicate is a fast and affordable way to restore your access—without changing the lock (assuming the lost key didn’t pose a security risk).

For businesses, landlords, and property managers, key cutting is also a routine task for managing multiple users or tenants.

How Key Cutting Works – Step-by-Step

At Locksmith CO, we use professional-grade key cutting machines and follow a precise process to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Step 1: Identify the Key Type

We determine the type of key you need copied. Common types include:

• Cylinder keys (used in most front doors)
• Mortice keys (used with 5-lever locks in timber doors)
• Padlock keys
• Safe keys
• Window lock keys
• Vehicle keys (including transponder chip programming)

Step 2: Choose the Correct Key Blank

The technician selects a matching blank key—a raw metal template ready to be cut.

Step 3: Trace the Original Key

The original key is inserted into the machine and traced or scanned. This guides the cutter to replicate the exact shape and depth of each groove.

Step 4: Cut the Key

The machine cuts the blank to match the original. For specialist keys, laser cutting or milling may be used for greater precision.

Step 5: Finish and Test

The new key is deburred, smoothed, and tested in the original lock (if available) to ensure a perfect fit and function.

Types of Keys We Cut at Locksmith CO

We cut a wide range of key types, including:

• Standard house keys (Yale, Chubb, ERA, Union, etc.)
• BS3621 mortice keys
• High-security and restricted keys (with proof of ownership)
• Office and master key systems
• Smart keys and key fobs
• Car keys and van keys with remote or chip programming

If you’re unsure what type of key you have, we’re happy to assist. We carry a wide variety of blanks and can usually cut your key on the spot.

Can You Cut a Key Without the Original?

In some cases—such as when all keys are lost—we may still be able to help. A professional locksmith can:

• Decode the lock and cut a new key based on its internal mechanism
• Disassemble the lock to measure the pins and recreate the key
• Rekey or replace the lock entirely and provide new keys

At Locksmith CO, we offer full lock replacement and rekeying services throughout London.

Where to Get Keys Cut in London

There are plenty of places offering key cutting services, but not all provide the accuracy and reliability you need. At Locksmith CO, we offer:

• Precision key cutting using modern equipment
• Fast turnaround—many keys cut while you wait
• High-security key cutting (with proper authorisation)
• Lock and key consultation services
• Convenient mobile locksmith coverage across all London boroughs

Unlike high-street kiosks or hardware stores, we provide professional advice, expert fitting, and quality control, ensuring your key works the first time—every time.

Why Choose Locksmith CO?

• Expert locksmiths with decades of experience
• All types of keys cut, including high-security and vehicle keys
• Honest pricing and no hidden charges
• Mobile service—key cutting at your door, office, or site
• Certified services for landlords and businesses
• 24/7 availability for emergencies

We don’t just cut keys—we help you maintain control over your property’s security with dependable service and clear advice.

Need a Key Cut in London?

Whether you need one spare key or a full set for your home, business, or vehicle, Locksmith CO is ready to help.

Call us now at +44 20 3885 1735
Or visit https://locksmithco.co.uk to request a quote or book key cutting services today.

Fast, accurate, and convenient—Locksmith CO is London’s trusted source for professional key cutting.