Do you have a spare key for your house? Or even your vehicles?

If not, then consider getting them immediately.

Having a spare key for your properties and automobiles can be very convenient if you end up in tricky situations, such as lockouts or original key damage.

In this article, we will discuss ‘spare key meaning’, why you need them, their protection measures, and much more. So, let’s get started and learn more about them.

What is a Spare Key?

In simple words, a spare key means a backup key. Having a spare key can prevent you from landing into tricky situations, such as losing or damaging a key for your:

Car or Bike key

Having a car or bike spare key can save you a lot of trouble if you lose your primary keys. You won’t have to wait for help to arrive either. These types of emergencies can occur even when you can’t afford to be late.

Home key

We don’t even have to elaborate on this. If you have a home spare key, you can prevent emergency lockouts.

Convenience

Spare keys can make it easier to replace lost or broken keys. You can also use them to give to additional keyholders. Also, there are other ways to unlock a door without a key if getting a replacement quickly is difficult.

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How to Make a Spare Key Step-by-Step Guide

Having a spare key with you can mean the difference between returning to your home in emergencies like getting locked out or losing your main Key.

Its making is simple and cost-effective; you can do it with a few pieces of equipment or by hiring a professional. Here is how to make a spare key safely and successfully.

Step 1: Determine Your Type of Key

Before you make a copy, establish what kind of Key you are working with. Some common categories include:

• Standard keys: These are the most common keys, generally used as home door keys.
  
  
• Car keys: These may feature electronic chips or fobs that require programming.
  
  
• Specialized keys: Like high-security keys, which can be difficult to copy without professional help.

Understanding the types of keys you might encounter will help you make the right choice for your needs. Remember to check if your key has a “Do Not Duplicate” stamp, as such keys often require explicit permission to copy.

Step 2: Pick Your Duplication Technique

Depending on your key type and the tools available, you can opt for one of the following:

• Hire a  Locksmith

Locksmiths are probably the best resource for duplicating keys, particularly if you have high-security or car keys. They use machines that allow for a perfect replica.

• Key-Cutting Machine

Many hardware stores offer key duplicating machines. This is a good option if you have standard keys, which are often inexpensive and fast.

• Use a Key Duplication Kit to DIY

DIYers can find key duplication kits online. These kits contain blanks and tools to cut keys at home.

• 3D Printing Method

If you have a 3D printer, scanning your Key and printing a spare using this method is possible. Of course, this works best for simple keys without complex mechanisms.

While considering duplication methods, you may also want to explore manual vs automatic key-cutting machines to understand which works best for your situation.

Step 3: Gather Your Materials

If you are making the Key yourself, you will need:

• Key blanks: Ensure they are the correct size and type to the original Key.
  
  
• Key file: For finer detail.
  
  
• A clamp or vice: To secure the Key for cutting.

If you’re duplicating a car key, ensure the battery is functional. If needed, learn how to replace a car key battery before starting the duplication process. Furthermore, you can always connect with a spare car key maker.

Step 4: Make the Spare Key

• Pattern the Key: Copy the original Key onto the blank, allowing the grooves and notches to be accurately aligned.
  
  
• Cut or Trim the Key: Use a file or a key-cutting machine to transfer the pattern of the original Key onto the blank.
  
  
• Heck Fitting: Put the new Key into the lock. If it doesn’t work well, use the file to round the edges until they fit perfectly.

Step 5: Try the Spare Key

You must know if your spare works well by trying the following:

• Smooth Insertion: It must go in smoothly, without resistance.
  
  
• Lock and Unlock: Test it by locking and unlocking it several times.

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Key Duplication Tips and Tricks

Consider the tips below:

1. Avoid Making Mistakes

Begin with a good, blank key that duplicates your original.

2. Take Care of Your Original

Be careful to avoid scratches or scrapes to ensure proper duplication.

3. Store Your Spare Securely

Place it in a secure but accessible location, such as with a neighbor or in a key safe.

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Why Do You Need a Spare Key?

Here is why you need a spare key:

1. To Prevent Lockouts

A spare key ensures you’re never stranded outside your home or car, saving you time and hassle when misplacing your primary Key.

2. For Emergency Situations

Whether it is your neighbour or your family member, having an extra can provide immediate access when needed.

3. Avoid Locksmith Services Expenses

Since it saves you the inconvenience of hiring a locksmith during an emergency lockout, this extra Key helps you cut down on some costs in urgent situations.

4. Broken Keys

Broken keys are a hassle. Not only would it jeopardize your safety, but it would also take away your peace of mind.

5. Replacements

In need of a key replacement? A spare key can help you out quickly!

6. Convenience

A spare key can be very convenient for business owners. You can share your keys with trusted employees or staff members.

Additional note: For car owners, check if your car insurance covers key protection to add a layer of security and reduce potential replacement costs.

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Types of Keys and What You Need to Know About Them

A better understanding of the types of doors and their compatible keys can also help you make informed decisions when choosing locks and keys for your space.

Here is a list of some of the common types of keys:

1. Standard Key

These are the most popular for houses and flats, and they can be more easily duplicated.

2. Transponder Keys

Most modern automobile keys have an electronic chip that needs to be programmed into your car before duplication.

3. High-Security Keys

Some locks can only be placed in patented designs or laser-cut, require some special equipment to reproduce and are therefore more expensive to make.

How to Protect Your Spare Key From Being Misused?

As much as key duplication is a convenient method to get a spare key quickly, you must know how to protect it from being misused. Here are some of the ways you can protect it:

1. Avoid Keeping it in Direct Sight

Don’t hide spare keys under door mats, as these are among the first places burglars check.

2. Use a Lockbox

Consider a key lockbox with a combination, which provides security and easy access for trusted individuals.

3. Share with Trusted People Only

Leave a spare key with a neighbour, family member, or friend who lives nearby in case of emergencies.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Spare Key

Ensure you are avoiding making these mistakes:

1. Choosing the Wrong Key Blank

Ensure the blank Key matches your original, as using the wrong blank can prevent the Key from working properly.

2. Not Testing the Spare Key

After creating a duplicate, always test the spare Key in the lock to ensure it fits and works as expected.

3. Relying on Cheap DIY Kits

Inexpensive key-cutting kits can result in poor-quality duplicates, especially for more complex keys, leading to frustration.

When to Replace Your Keys Instead of Duplicating Them

You can replace your keys:

After a Break-In

You should consider replacing your locks after a burglary or when you suspect that someone has made a copy of your Key.

After You Have Lost Your Keys

If your Key is missing, and you don’t know where it is, replacing the lock could be safer than making a spare key if an unauthorized person finds it.

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What to Do If Your Spare Key Doesn’t Work?

Your spare key doesn’t work? You can do the things mentioned below in that case:

Examine for Damages

Check the duplicate Key for any scratches or burrs that could have resulted in the malfunction of the Key.

Use the Filing Method on the Key

If the spare Key is too tight in the lock, file it gently to make it slide smoothly and work well.

Connect to a Locksmith

When the duplicate Key still does not work, a locksmith can re-cut the duplicate or identify the problem with the lock.

Professional Locksmith vs DIY Key Duplication: Which is Better?

1. Advantages of Professional Duplication

For professionals, there is modern hardware and technology to guarantee that the key will be cut perfectly, whether a high-security or car key. So, calling up the duplicate key maker near you is possibly your safest option.

2. When DIY Duplication Works

DIY kits are great for simple keys or if you need an extra copy quickly without thinking twice about a little trial and error.

3. Risks of Doing Key Duplication Yourself

Improper key cuts in a DIY kit will likely result in a faulty duplicate that does not work or even jams the lock and may need professional rework.

Final Thoughts

Creating a spare key is a smart, straightforward way to ensure that you will not be left without one or face an emergency.

Following this guide, you can easily duplicate most keys or request professional help if the Key is complex.

Always store your spare Key securely to keep your home or vehicle safe.

If you’re looking for a reliable locksmith, Keyenzy offers services such as car key duplication, replacement, and key repair.

Contact us today to ensure you’re never caught without a spare!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where to get a spare car key?

Ans: You can always connect with professional locksmith services from platforms like Keyenzy. Within few hours, you will receive key duplication, repair, or replacement services.

Q. What is the Honda spare key price?

Ans: Depending upon various factors, such as the location, dealer, and more, it may cost you more than ₹2500.

Q. What is the spare car key cost​?

Ans: On average, the cost of a spare car key in India ranges from ₹500 to ₹2,500. For high-end vehicles, the cost can be as high as ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.