Why Would a Copied Key Not Work?

I’ve seen thousands of customers come to our shops frustrated by a recently copied key that doesn’t work properly. As a locksmith who’s personally cut tens of thousands of keys, I can tell you that what seems like a simple process involves precision engineering and careful attention to detail.

1. Original Key Wear and Damage

One issue I see almost daily at our Midtown and Downtown locations involves the condition of the original key:

• Worn Down Teeth: Keys gradually wear down with use. I often demonstrate this to customers by showing them a new key next to their worn one—the difference can be dramatic, especially in frequently used keys.
• Bent Keys: Even slightly bent keys (which might not be visible to the untrained eye) can throw off duplication measurements.
• Damaged Grooves: The longitudinal grooves on your key are crucial for proper operation, and damage here often causes problems.

In Miami’s coastal environment, I’ve found keys can wear 30-40% faster than in drier regions due to our salt air and humidity. When we duplicate a worn key, our machines can only copy what’s there, not what the key originally looked like when new.

2. Equipment Calibration Issues

As a professional locksmith, I invest heavily in quality equipment and maintenance:

• Machine Calibration: Our key cutting machines require regular calibration. An improperly calibrated machine might create a key that’s off by just 0.01mm—too small to see but enough to prevent proper operation.
• Cutting Wheel Condition: Cutting wheels need regular replacement. At our shops, we change them far more frequently than the industry standard to ensure precision cuts.
• Machine Cleanliness: Metal filings and debris can affect accuracy if machines aren’t cleaned between uses.

Unfortunately, not all key-cutting services maintain their equipment to professional standards. I’ve seen big box stores go months without proper machine maintenance, leading to consistently poor results.

3. Incorrect Key Identification

It might sound obvious, but I can’t tell you how often this happens:

• Similar-Looking Keys: House keys, particularly those from popular brands like Kwikset or Schlage, can look nearly identical while operating completely different locks.
• Multiple Keys for Different Doors: Many homeowners have similar-looking keys for front doors, back doors, offices, or storage spaces.
• Misidentified Blanks: Sometimes, the wrong key blank is selected for duplication, especially with older or less common keys.

At our shops, we always verify the key’s intended use and carefully examine the blank type before duplication.

4. Lock Condition Issues

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the key at all:

• Dirty Locks: Miami’s humidity can cause internal lock components to accumulate grime and lubricant buildup, preventing even perfectly cut keys from working properly.
• Worn Lock Mechanisms: Locks wear out, too, particularly the internal pins that match your key’s pattern.
• Weather Damage: Our climate can be tough on locks—salt exposure near the beach can create internal corrosion that affects key operation.

Professional Solutions I Recommend:

When customers come to us with key problems, I typically suggest:

1. Free Verification: We offer free verification of key copies that don’t work properly. Often, small adjustments can solve the problem.
2. Code Cutting: Rather than copying a worn key, we can cut a new key based on your lock’s code, creating a pristine key that matches the original factory specifications.
3. Professional Lock Service: Sometimes, a quick lock cleaning and lubrication can resolve issues with keys that don’t turn smoothly.
4. Key Upgrade Options: For customers repeatedly experiencing key problems, I often recommend our high-security key options that resist wear and provide more reliable operation.

Keys made at our locksmith store

Having served Miami for nearly two decades, I’ve observed how our local environment affects keys and locks:

• Salt Air Effects: Properties within a mile of the ocean experience accelerated key and lock wear. I recommend marine-grade keys for these locations.
• Seasonal Humidity Changes: During our most humid months, locks can bind slightly as metal and wood components expand.
• Tropical Storm Impacts: After major storms, we see a spike in lock problems due to water exposure and pressure changes.

Our Guarantee:

At Quickly Locksmith Miami, we stand behind our work. If a key we’ve cut doesn’t work properly, bring it back to either location for a free replacement. Our professional reputation is built on reliability and customer satisfaction.

For professional key duplication or to resolve issues with keys that don’t work properly, visit one of our convenient locations or contact us at (305) 984-9922. We’re available 24/7 for all your locksmith needs throughout Miami-Dade County.