Online Key Cutting Advice from a Master Locksmith

IKS Locksmiths are MLA approved locksmiths based in Barnet in North London. In our online key cutting shop we sell high security keys cut with precision. Not only that the whole process is managed with high security in mind!

When ordering copies of high security keys from an online key cutting service it is vital to do your research to ensure that the company you order from are reputable and tick all the boxes when it comes to ensuring the customers security.

Problems to Avoid with Online Key Cutting

The problems that can occur with online key cutting are;

• The risk of trusting your security to a rogue locksmith
• A lack of security with the online payment process
• Badly cut keys
• Keys posted in a way that compromises security

Online Key Cutting Advice from a Master Locksmith

There are a number of aspects that should be considered when it comes to selecting an online company to cut your high security keys. These are my Do’s and Don’ts to help avoid the issues listed above;

Choosing an Online Locksmith Company

• Do: Choose someone you can trust. This is imperative as the person cutting your keys could be in possession of your most valuable assets. Choose a Master Locksmith Association Approved locksmith (this offers assurance as to the company’s credentials) or an established key cutting centre with good reviews. The MLA is the leading locksmith association in the UK and is used by the Police.

• Don’t: Assume that all Locksmiths are vetted and CRB/DBS checked. There is no law that requires locksmiths to be qualified or CRB checked.

Online Safety

• Do: Check that the website address has https:// at the start. This confirms that the website transactions are secure.
• Don’t: Choose a website that starts with http://. The lack of an S after the P means that the website isn’t necessarily secure and your card details could be at risk.

Key Cutting Process

Some companies use laser key cutting but most are cut manually with the use of a key cutting machine. This requires a certain amount of skill and expertise.

• Do: Choose an experienced key cutter who knows what they are doing. It is important that a key is cut well in order for it to work.
• Don’t: Choose just anyone to cut your keys. A key may seem ok but a combination of poor key cutting  and inferior key blanks could mean that you key could deteriorate quicker. This is a common problem with certain chains of key cutting companies.
• Do: Get a copy cut from the original key. This will ensure that the copy will be as good as it can be.
• Don’t: Get a key cut from a copy, it needs to be from the original. The more copies of a key are cut the more likely it is that the key cut won’t work.

Posting Your Keys

• Do: Choose the special delivery postage option.
• Don’t: Take risks with saving money on postage.
• Do: Use a different delivery address to the one the keys are to be used for.
• Don’t: Take risks when it comes to postage of your duplicate keys.

Some Advice Regarding Key Cutting in General

Even when you are having standard keys (not high security) cut in person (not online) it is important to choose the person who cuts your keys with care.

Wiki how offer some tips on how to identify issues with key cutting .

If you carefully choose someone to cut a key you will not need to worry about any of these issues. Check out our guide on What You Need to Know About Key Cutting in general.

In Summary

Unfortunately not every key duplication service online (or off line) is secure and there are numerous risks along the line. Following our Do’s and Don’ts will eliminate the risks.

If you are looking for a reputable north London locksmith at competitive prices give us a call. We are MLA Approved, CRB checked specialists in physical security.