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Looking to get your key cut? With so many key types available today, it’s important to understand the different types of key you might encounter, whether for your home, business, or vehicle.
At Amberley, we specialise in key cutting and have extensive experience with every type of key, from the most common cylinder keys to specialised antique or high-security options.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the most common and specialised types of keys, including cutting services, use cases, and pricing.
Common Key Types
- Cylinder Keys
- Yale Keys
- Mortice Keys
- Traditional Car Keys
- Transponder Keys
- Key Fobs and Remote Keys
- Dimple Keys
- Magnum Keys
- Tubular Keys
- Restricted Keys
- Antique Keys
Types of House Keys
Common Front Door Keys (Yale Keys / Cylinder Keys)
Yale keys are perhaps the most recognisable and commonly used type of key for front doors. Known for their simplicity and reliability, these keys are used in cylinder locks that you’ll often find on most residential properties. If you’ve ever heard the term “Yale lock,” it refers to the mechanism by which these keys operate. They are easy to cut and are generally affordable, making them a go-to option for many homeowners.
Cylinder keys operate standard pin tumbler locks and are characterised by their unique, jagged edges. If you need a spare for your home, mentioning the cylinder key to your key cutting technician will ensure you get the correct duplicate.
At Amberley, key cutting services for Yale keys are fast and affordable, starting at just £6 for a single key. If you need more than one, we offer three keys for £15—a great option for families who need spares.
Mortice Keys
Mortice keys are typically used in mortice locks, which are set into the door itself rather than attached to the surface like cylinder locks. These locks are often found in older homes or commercial buildings, as they provide a higher level of security than standard cylinder locks. Mortice keys are usually longer and thicker than Yale keys, and they feature intricate cuts that match the internal levers of the lock.
Often found in older homes, mortice keys are used for mortice locks, where the locking mechanism is fitted inside the door. These keys are generally longer and have a more traditional appearance with a cylindrical shaft and a single, flat-edged blade.
Because of their complex design, key cutting for mortice keys requires a high level of precision. At Amberley, we have the necessary expertise and advanced equipment to cut these keys with the utmost accuracy. Our mortice keys start at £8, and we can cut while you wait, ensuring you leave with a perfectly functioning key every time.
Types of Car Keys
Traditional Car Keys
The basic car key used for older vehicles doesn’t include electronic components. It’s straightforward for key cutting services to duplicate these keys using a standard key cutting machine.
Transponder Keys
Introduced in the mid-to-late 1990s, transponder keys contain a microchip in the head of the key, programmed to a specific vehicle’s engine control unit. Duplication of these keys involves cutting and programming the chip, which key cutters can handle efficiently.
Key Fobs and Remote Keys
For cars with keyless entry systems, key fobs and remote keys are standard. These are usually provided with a backup traditional key. While key cutters can assist with the mechanical key, duplicating the electronic components might require additional services.
Types of Security Keys
Dimple Keys
Dimple keys are becoming more common as they offer additional security features that make them more difficult to duplicate or pick. Instead of the traditional jagged cuts you see on most keys, dimple keys have a series of small indentations (dimples) on the flat side of the key. These dimples correspond to pin settings inside the lock, which creates a higher level of security compared to more common keys like Yale keys.
Dimple keys feature small holes or dimples drilled into the body of the key, which correspond to sets of pins in the lock. These keys are harder to duplicate without specialised equipment, making them more secure. Skilled professionals have the necessary technology to replicate these high-security keys.
Due to their unique design, key cutting for dimple keys requires specialised machines that can handle the precise measurements needed to ensure the dimples are accurately placed. At Amberley, we have state-of-the-art, computer-aided key cutting machines that can replicate dimple keys with ease. Our prices for dimple keys are approximately £19, reflecting the additional complexity involved in the cutting process.
Magnum Keys (With Dimples and Laser Tracks)
Magnum keys take security to the next level by combining dimples and laser tracks, making them one of the most secure key types on the market. These keys are designed for high-security locks and are often used in settings where security is of the utmost importance, such as banks or secure storage facilities. The laser tracks add an extra layer of protection, making it incredibly difficult for anyone to duplicate these keys without the proper equipment.
At Amberley, we have the most advanced key cutting services for Magnum keys, ensuring that each key is cut with precision. Given the added security features, Magnum keys cost around £25, but the investment in higher security is often well worth it for those looking for premium protection.
Tubular Keys
Also known as barrel keys, tubular keys are often used for bike locks, vending machines, and some types of laptop security cables. They have a cylindrical shape and are cut using a special machine that key services are equipped with.
Restricted Keys
Restricted keys are designed to be difficult to duplicate without authorisation. This can be due to their unique design, a patent protecting the key shape, or the requirement of special equipment for cutting. If you have a restricted key, you may need to verify ownership or request permission before making a duplicate.
Certain types of keys cannot be duplicated due to legal or security reasons. These include keys marked as “Do Not Duplicate,” “Restricted,” or those that are part of a patented key control system. Patented keys are designed with unique mechanisms and are protected by law to prevent unauthorised copying, making them available only through specific manufacturers or authorised dealers.
Additionally, some high-security keys come with controlled distribution and duplication rights. This means duplicates can only be made by the original manufacturer or through approved service providers who can verify ownership and are authorised to create copies. This is often the case in high-security environments like government buildings, where access control is paramount.
Antique Keys
Antique keys are commonly used in older homes or furniture like wardrobes and cabinets. These keys can be challenging to replace due to their unique designs and materials. However, experienced locksmiths might offer custom services or direct you to a specialist in antique keys.
If you need a duplicate key for an antique lock, the following steps can guide you:
Consult a Specialist: Look for a locksmith specialising in antique locks.
Provide a Clear Description or Sample: Bring the lock or a clear image of the lock and any existing keys.
Consider Creating a Cast: Some locksmiths can create a cast of the keyhole and fabricate a new key.
Explore Custom Fabrication Options: Skilled metalworkers can manually craft a new key.
Preserve the Integrity of the Lock: Ensure modifications are reversible to maintain the antique’s value.
Why Choose Amberley for Your Key Cutting Needs?
At Amberley, we’ve been in the key cutting business since 1927, meaning we have almost a century of experience in providing quality and precision. While the technology has evolved over the years, our commitment to customer satisfaction has remained the same.
We are equipped with over a dozen key cutting machines, allowing us to handle virtually any type of key with precision and efficiency. From common Yale keys to more complex designs like Magnum keys, our workshop is prepared for all your needs. With over 98% of the keys we cut working perfectly on the first try, you can rely on Amberley to get the job done right. Our experienced technicians and state-of-the-art equipment ensure that you walk away with a key that fits seamlessly into your lock.
Amberley boasts the largest selection of key blanks in the area, ensuring that whatever key you need, we’ve got you covered. Whether you need a common front door key or something more specialised, we have the key blanks and cutting technology to provide what you need.
Custom Solutions for Your Home or Business
In addition to key cutting, Amberley also offers lock suiting services. Lock suiting allows you to have multiple locks keyed alike, meaning you can open several doors with the same key—ideal for businesses or larger homes. We can also create master key systems that work across different lock types, giving you a customised security solution.
Key Cutting FAQ
How long does key cutting take?
At Amberley, we cut most keys while you wait. Depending on the complexity of the key, cutting typically takes only a few minutes.
Can you cut any type of key?
Yes! With our computer-aided key cutting machines and extensive range of key blanks, we can cut virtually any type of key.
Is it expensive to cut multiple keys?
Not at all. We offer special deals for multiple keys, such as three Yale keys for £15. For more complex keys, the cost increases slightly, but we ensure that our prices are competitive for the quality of service provided.
Can you duplicate a key from a photo?
Yes, if you send us a clear photo of your key, we can provide an accurate quote and begin the key cutting process when you visit our workshop.
How much does key cutting cost?
The cost of key cutting can vary based on the type of key and the complexity of the cut. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect at Amberley:
Common Front Door Keys (Yale/Cylinder Keys): £6 each, or £15 for three of a kind
Less Common Keys: £7 each
Rare Keys: £8 each
Mortice Keys: Start at £8 each
Dimple Keys: Approximately £19
Magnum Keys (with dimples and laser tracks): £25
