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Where can I make a copy to a key?

Most nearby hardware, auto parts, and home improvement stores have options for copying keys. What is this? Many grocery stores and some of the club stores do as well. Some drugstores have key kiosks, but not all.

moneysmartfamily.com - Need a Key Copy Made Nearby? 31 Places to Get Duplicate Keys Made
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Our priority at MoneySmartFamily is to help readers improve their finances and we partner with companies that could help you. Some links on this page are from our partners. Read how we earn money here. Do you need a key copy made? Are you looking for a convenient place near you? This is a pretty common need and very cheap and easy to get done. We’ll provide you with more than 30 options and prices. We researched home stores, grocers, drug stores, self-serve kiosks, and locksmiths.

Types of Keys

Most of the time, when we’re talking about getting key copies, we’re meaning keys that will get you into your home. Getting car keys duplicated is not as easy. Many of today’s car keys are more costly to copy due to their anti-theft and electronic features. We do have some options for you to save money on getting them made at the end of the article. But, besides house and car keys there are other kinds that are often duplicated. These include mailbox keys, recreational vehicle keys, locker keys, or keys to open a safe or a bike lock.

How Much Does a Key Copy Cost?

Here’s the good news: copying a standard house key is cheap. This might be one of the least expensive home improvement tasks you can do. Below we have listed 28 different places where you can have copies of keys made. Most of them charge between $2 and $5 to buy the blank and cut the key. If you need to get locks in your home rekeyed – read this section.

Typical House Keys costs $2.49 to $5

Most nearby hardware, auto parts, and home improvement stores have options for copying keys. Many grocery stores and some of the club stores do as well. Some drugstores have key kiosks, but not all. So, If you’re asking, “Where can I get keys made near me?” Check out this handy list with locations, websites and pricing.

There are many options for getting a duplicate key made.

Self Serv Key Kiosks

A KeyMe kiosk inside a Kroger Grocery Store

1. KeyMe

One of the fastest ways is to start by going to Key.me.

Enter your zip code or name of your location, and a list of available places that hold these kiosks will pop up. They currently have more than 2000 locations in the U.S. The cool thing about Key.me is that they can store a digital copy of your key for use later. So if you ever lose your key, they’ve got you covered. Key.me also says they can duplicate car keys. Their pricing is as follows

Non-transponder car keys start at $19.99

Fob and transponder keys cost between $69.99-$89.99

This video explains the advantages of storing your keys in the cloud with KeyMe.

2. MinuteKey

These self-serve kiosks are inside of 1000 Lowe’s stores and 1500 Walmarts and Menards. MinuteKey charges $3 for a basic brass key.

MinuteKey – self-service key duplication kiosk inside of Lowes.

MinuteKey also has a VIP program. If you order a lot of keys for your business, joining their VIP program will give you steep discounts.

Hardware/Home Improvement Chains

Just about every home improvement store has the ability to duplicate keys. Some even have self-serve kiosks.

3. Home Depot

Based in Atlanta, GA, Home Depot is one of the largest retailers in the United States. This makes it one of the most obvious first stops when it comes to copying a key or rekeying a lock. Home Depot is the key maker of choice for MoneySmartFamily.

Cost: House Key or older car key between $2 and $5

Home Depot Keykrafter key duplication center.

Home Depot employee making a duplicate key for me.

Many Home Depots have a trained employee who duplicates the keys for you. This is the MoneySmartFamily.com vendor of choice for getting duplicate keys made.

4. Lowe’s

Lowe’s offers a variety of professional services, including key copying and rekeying of locks.

Some Lowe’s stores have MinuteKey self-serve kiosks inside them.

Cost: House Key or older car key between $2 and $5

5. Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware locations are independently owned and operated. But most of them can duplicate keys. You’ll need to call the location nearest you to get a price. This page at AceHardware.com allows you to get a price for any automotive key you want to duplicate.

Cost: House Key or older car key between $8 and $12

6. True Value

True Value stores are located in 13 regions with stores across the country.

7. Local Privately Owned Hardware Stores

Your local hardware stores: Many towns have these, and it’s always a great idea to support local shops when you can. A quick Google search for a hardware store near me can help you find one that’s close.

Grocery Stores That Duplicate Keys

This one may surprise you. More and more grocery chains do offer key copying services. A self-serve kiosk helps grocery stores offer more comprehensive services.

8. Kroger

Originating in Ohio, Kroger is one of the largest employers in the United States. It is also one of the bigger retailers. Kroger locations are mainly in the midwestern and southern parts of the country. Other Kroger brands include Bakers, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, King Soopers, Jc Food Store, Owens Market, and Pay-Less Super Markets, QFC, Ralphs, and Smith’s. This is the Screen of a KeyMe kiosk in our local Kroger Store

9. Fred Meyer

Having merged with Kroger in 1999, Fred Meyer originated in 1922 and is one of the oldest running grocery stores in the country. Serving the Pacific Northwest, Fred Meyer stores are found in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.

10. Meijer

Based in Michigan, Meijer also has stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Contact your local store to see if they have a key kiosk.

11. Safeway

In business since 1915, Safeway stores are located in the western and mid-western parts of the United States. Some stores are in the mid-Atlantic region of the East Coast as well. Albertsons owns Safeway, along with Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs, Jewel/Osco, Vons, and Pavilions.

RELATED ARTICLE: Grocery Stores with Senior Discounts

Warehouse Clubs

None of the big warehouse clubs offer key copying services any longer. This includes Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale.

Drugstore Chains

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While not all drug stores offer key services, some of the more well-known chains do.

12. RiteAid

RiteAid: Located across the United States with more than 4,000 stores. It’s easy to find a RiteAid offering a KeyMe kiosk for quick and easy key copying. Their store locator page allows you to use a filter to find a location with a KeyMe kiosk in it.

Convenience Stores

Some convenience stores provide key copying services. If you know of others, please email us the city and state and the name of the store.

13. 7-11 Stores

Based in Texas, is there anything 7-11 can’t do? The well-known convenience store is a one-stop shop. They’ve got a little of everything when you’re on the go, and making copies of your keys copying is no exception.

Large Retail Stores

14. Bed Bath and Beyond

Bed Bath and Beyond: What is more home-like than the key to your front door? Many Bed Bath and Beyond stores have KeyMe kiosks available to create your own copied keys. You can’t use a Bed Bath and Beyond Coupon at a kiosk. But KeyMe will give you a 25 percent off discount code if you share your email address with them on their website.

15. Sears

There are fewer Sears stores today than in the past, but they do offer key duplications services in stores.

16. K-Mart

While Sears and Kmart are actually the same company, they have different branding. Both typically offer key copying services.

17. Walmart

You’ll find a key duplication station inside most Walmarts. They’re usually in the automotive department. Some are MinuteKey self-serve kiosks, and others are operated by Walmart staff. Walmart Key duplication center. Prices range from $2.64 to $4.24 for simple brass keys.

Auto Parts Stores

There are many national chains with names you’re likely to recognize. Be sure to check your area for an independent shop as well.

18. Auto Zone

A major retailer, with more than 6,000 stores nationwide (and in Brazil). There is likely an AutoZone near you. But you should call first, not all locations have key-making ability.

20. VIP Tires & Service

Located mainly in New England. VIP Tires and Service is a comprehensive auto supply store as well as a service shop.

21. Pep Boys

Based in Philadelphia, Pep Boys has stores located around the United States and they provide key duplication services.

22. NAPA Auto Parts

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Napa Auto Parts has more than 6,000 Auto Parts stores located across the United States. There are also 15,000 NAPA AutoCare facilities that provide vehicle maintenance and repair.

23. O’Reilly Auto Parts

Headquartered in Springfield, MO. O’Reilly Auto Parts was founded in 1957 and now has more than 5000 locations across the US. In recent years they have acquired Checker Auto Parts and VIP Auto Parts stores. They offer either key cutting services or self-serve kiosks.

Other Options for Finding a Key Maker Near You

Here are a few more ideas for places to find key copying services.

24. Local Locksmiths

You could check with a local locksmith. They will be a bit pricier than a walk-up kiosk. The locksmiths we called charge between $3 and $5 per key for duplicate keys. The more costly part comes when paying for a trip charge. When we called various locksmiths we found that trip charge fees ranged from $35 to $50.

25. Angie’s List

Angie’s List is a good resource to find service providers. Hardware, automotive services, and locksmiths are available on this site. They will ask for your email and home address to send you quotes and other information.

26. Car Dealership

Most local car dealerships won’t make copies of house keys. But they can certainly help with your car key needs.

27. Boston Car Keys, Inc

As another regional shop, Boston Car Keys is a good reminder that searching locally can yield great results. This shop and ones like it can provide an alternative to a car dealership for replacing expensive and specialized car keys.

28. Broadway Lock Company

Another regional option, Broadway Lock Company serves the greater Boston area.

29. Northeast Lock Corp

A shop such as Northeast Lock Corp., based in Illinois, can fit the bill for specialized lock services or business key and lock needs.

30. Pop-A-Lock

Founded in Louisiana, Pop-A-Lock now has locksmith franchise locations throughout the United States and Canada.

31. Ryans Locksmiths

Serving the Midwest region, Ryans Locksmiths is a family-owned locksmith business. They provide help with key duplication, emergency lock-out services and more. One bonus is that they’re open 24 hours a day.

Cost to Rekey a Lock

To have the entire lock changed is when the costs go up because the labor of a skilled professional is involved. Changing the locks will generally cost between $50-300. The cost depends on your geographic location, number of locks and the work involved. Of course, if you’re handy, or know someone who is, you can remove the locks from your own doors. Then just take them to Home Depot to get them rekeyed. Be sure to bring a key that works the lock also. Home Depot and other home repair stores charge between $5 and $10 to rekey a lock. Steve from MoneySmartFamily.com recently went to Home Depot to get locks rekeyed for a friend. Home Depot couldn’t do it. They weren’t able to work on an Orion brand of lock. They can rekey Kwikset, Schlage, Defiant, Baldwin, Yale, Medeco, and a few others. But not Orion.

Rekeying lock prices we found in Phoenix, Arizona.

Hardware Store Prices for Rekeying Locks:

Home Depot: $5 (per keyhole)

Lowes: $5 (per keyhole)

Ace Hardware: $10 (per keyhole)

Locksmith Pricing for a house call to rekey locks

We called 3 locksmiths in our area to get an idea of the cost to rekey locks and provide copies of the keys.

We quoted 4 doors with locks and deadbolts (8 keyholes total)

$148 TurnkeyLocksmith.com ($40 trip charge and 13.50 per keyhole)

($40 trip charge and 13.50 per keyhole) $175 to $251 Diamondback Lock & Key ($35 trip charge and $17 to 27 per keyhole) ($35 trip charge and $17 to 27 per keyhole) $195 Acme Locksmith ($59 trip charge and $17 per keyhole) Additional keys $3.99 each.

Why Would You Need Copies of Keys

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Having an extra set of keys on hand helps to provide peace of mind in case you get locked out or need help. An extra set of keys is helpful for a change in roommate or tenant as well. Leave a spare set of keys with a neighbor in case you get locked out.

What are Keys Made Of?

According to Medeco – the lock maker, most house keys are made of brass. Alternative materials include aluminum, steel, or nickel silver. Since a house key is going to be used thousands of times, it’s important that the key is strong to avoid breaking.

How Long Does It Take to Have Keys Copied?

You can get a key copied in a matter of minutes.

At most locations, the longest part of the process will be waiting in line if the store is busy. At many of the locations below, there is a key kiosk available where you can make the copy yourself.

How Many Keys to Have on Hand?

We recommend having one set of keys for each family member who needs one. And at least one or two extra sets to leave a set with a neighbor, family member or hide under the mat.

Why Do Some Keys Say “Do Not Duplicate”?

A USPS PO Box Key with a “Do Not Duplicate” stamp.

According to Great Valley Locks, some keys are restricted and can only be duplicated by their maker. This was meant to increase security. But over time, those words stamped on a key have come to mean less and less. Regardless, it is illegal to duplicate keys marked “do not duplicate.”

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Key?

These days, cars tend to come with a fancy battery-powered electronic key. According to Consumer Reports Magazine, these can cost between $200 and $600 to replace. Because of this, it’s not practical to have spare keys lying around. Because this type of car key is so specialized, it might be a good idea to go to the car dealer if you need a replacement.

Lost Rental Car Key

By the way, should you lose a rental car key, it’s not the end of the world, but you will be expected to pay for the replacement. That will likely cost the replacement value of the electronic key plus a service fee.

We’ve heard of replacement key charges ranging from $104 to $300.

If you are prone to misplacing keys, consider buying rental car insurance that covers the loss of a key. If you rent smaller, less expensive rental cars, you’re less likely to have an expensive electronic key. Be aware that if you lose both keys that are looped together, you will have to pay to replace them both. Ouch.

Cheap Car Key Replacement

But if you aren’t in a hurry to replace your car key, check out KeylessRide.com. They sell aftermarket electronic keys and remotes. You may still have to get your key cut or programmed locally, but you should be able to save 30 to 40 percent. Also, check out Key.me. We mentioned their pricing earlier, but here it is again.

Non-transponder car keys start at $19.99

Fob and transponder keys cost between $69.99-$89.99

My Ponderings about Keys, Locks, and Doors

When I moved into my current home, I was given an extra set of keys. This is not odd, but for some reason it got me thinking. I remember back in my college criminal justice class. That’s when I learned that a front door is there for privacy, more so than for protection or security. After all, the “breaking” part in breaking and entering refers to breaking the threshold, not literally breaking down the door. It is still illegal to walk uninvited onto private property, even if the door is wide open.

So why do we have locks at all?

Keys are used for more than front door access to your home. They also provide a very real sense of security and peace of mind, as well as a sense of ownership. It’s a natural thing that keys equal trust. Keys are about permission, access, and legitimacy. They are also, yes, about safety and security. A key to your bike lock can help keep your main method of transportation secure. A key to your gun safe could ensure the safety of your loved ones. And a key to the gate around the swimming pool is a potentially life-saving measure. A key can also be a sign of commitment. When you give a set of keys to a significant other, you are offering trust and intimacy. On the other side of that situation, when a relationship ends, it’s time to change the locks. When you do need to have copies of keys made, as you can see, there are many options to choose from.

Get a Key Made Near Me Wrap-Up

We recommend taking a few minutes to explore some options near you. Use this search, Keys Made Near Me and choose the nearest location.

Our recommendation is:

Simple House Key: Go to a local grocery store and use a KeyMe self-serve kiosk Specialty Key: Go to a local grocery store and use a KeyMe self-serve kiosk

Car Key: Check out KeylessRide.com or call a locksmith.

No doubt there are multiple, cheap and convenient options very close to where you live. Honestly, prices are pretty consistent for basic keys, so pick the location closest to you and get your key made.

If you have any favorites not on this list, please share!

And, if you are looking for more ways to save money on home repairs, check out these helpful home hacks. Money-Saving Tip: Quoting your auto insurance every 2 or 3 years can really save you some cash. We like using the website Gabi – it takes a few minutes to enter your info and upload your policy, but they’ll give you quotes from multiple insurance companies. It’s super easy and saves you time and money.

moneysmartfamily.com - Need a Key Copy Made Nearby? 31 Places to Get Duplicate Keys Made
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