Locksmith service in Wake County
Key copies in Raleigh, from house keys to chip keys
A plain house key is cheap to copy almost anywhere; Fixr lists key copies at $10 to $25. A car key with a chip, a high-security key or a key on a restricted keyway is where a locksmith earns the trip.
Which key is it?
| Key | Where it gets copied | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard house key | Hardware stores, kiosks, any locksmith | $10 to $25 (Fixr) |
| Metal car key with no chip | Hardware stores, locksmiths | $5 to $15 (KBB) |
| Transponder (chip) car key | Locksmith or dealer; the chip must be cloned or programmed | $125 to $250 (KBB) |
| Restricted or high-security key | Only the locksmith or dealer that controls the keyway | Quoted by the locksmith |
What Raleigh people ask
- Where to copy a house key in North Raleigh. Any of the usual places will cut a standard key. A locksmith is worth it when the copy has to work the first time on a worn lock, or when you want every door on one key.
- Why the big-box store won't cut the cute blanks bought online. Many stores only cut blanks they sell. A locksmith may cut a customer-supplied blank if it fits the keyway, but ask first.
- Whether a $50 quote for one copy is fair. For a plain key, no. For a chipped car key or a high-security key, it can be.
- How to get the metal blade inside a fob copied, not the electronics. That is a lockout spare: it opens the door but won't start the car, and it is cheap.
Keys that say "do not duplicate"
Stamping a key "do not duplicate" is a request, not a lock. Real copy control comes from a restricted keyway, where blanks are sold only to the locksmith who registered the system. Businesses and landlords who need to know how many keys exist should ask for one. Commercial locks.
Questions people in Raleigh ask
Can a locksmith copy a key from a photo?
Careful locksmiths won't cut a key from a photo alone without proof it is yours. Bring the key.
Can I copy my apartment key?
Check your lease. Many leases bar copies without the landlord's permission, and some complexes use restricted keys that can't be copied outside their system.