Spare key cutting in Exeter
Professional spare key cutting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
10-15 mins per key
Location
Exeter, Devon
Spare keys cut at your door while you wait. Most common house and padlock keys done on the spot. Tested in your lock before I leave.
Before You Get Locked Out
You know you should get a spare key cut. Been meaning to for months. But it means driving to the key cutters, queuing up, hoping they're open, and it always ends up bottom of the list.
Then one day you pull the door shut and realize your keys are on the kitchen table. £200 for an emergency locksmith later, you wish you'd just sorted that spare.
I cut keys at your door. You're getting other stuff done anyway - might as well sort the spare key at the same time.
💡 Pro tip: Get at least two spares cut. One for a trusted neighbor or family member, one hidden securely. You'll thank yourself later.
Having Spares vs Hoping For Best
| ✅ Spare Keys Sorted | ❌ No Spares |
|---|---|
| Locked out? Use spare, sorted | £200 emergency locksmith callout |
| Kids have their own key | Constant waiting around to let them in |
| Peace of mind | Low-level worry you'll lose them |
| Can lend to visitors/tradespeople | Can't let anyone in when you're out |
What You Get
🔧 The Key Cutting
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Look at your key type and condition |
| Select | Right blank selected from van stock |
| Cut | Key cut accurately using cutting machine |
| Test | Tested in your actual lock |
| Adjust | Filed and adjusted until perfect |
📦 You're Left With
- Working spare key (or several)
- Original key back safely
- Tested and confirmed working
- Peace of mind sorted
Pricing Guide
| Situation | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 keys cut | 10-15 mins | £60 |
| 3-5 keys cut | 15-20 mins | £60 |
| Multiple properties | 30+ mins | £60+ |
£60 minimum callout. Keys usually £5-8 each for the blank plus cutting.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Just moved in - only got one set, need spares
✅ Kids growing up - need their own keys
✅ Elderly relatives - spare key for carer or family
✅ Lost a key - down to last one, risky
Why Choose Us for Spare key cutting in Exeter?
Cut at your door, no driving to key cutters
Most common key types available
Tested before I leave
While you wait service
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Your Key
I have a look at the key you want copying. Check it's a type I can cut and that it's not too worn.
Step 2: Cut The Spare
Out to the van, select the right blank, cut it accurately on the machine. Takes just a few minutes.
Step 3: Test In Your Lock
Back to your door, test the new key actually works in your lock. Sometimes needs slight adjustment.
Step 4: Adjust If Needed
If it's a bit stiff or doesn't turn perfectly, I'll file it until it works smoothly. Won't leave until it's perfect.
🔧 DIY Tips
You can't cut keys yourself without a machine, but here's what you should know:
🔑 Key care basics
- Don't put keys on radiators (can warp)
- Keep them dry (rust damages the cuts)
- Get spares cut before the original is too worn
- Never use a worn key as the master for copies
📝 Where to keep spares safely
- Good: Trusted neighbor, family member nearby
- OK: Hidden key safe (get a good one, not cheap ones)
- Bad: Under mat, plant pot, "hidden" in garden (burglars check these)
- Never: Labeled with your address
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Only having one spare (what if you lose that too?)
- Giving keys to people then forgetting who has them
- Cheap key safes that can be broken easily
- Not telling family where spare is hidden
💡 Pro trick: Take a photo of your key and store it somewhere secure (password-protected note on your phone). Won't help you get in, but means you know exactly what type to get cut if you lose all copies.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔑 Landlords: If you've got multiple rental properties, I can come round and cut spares for all of them in one visit. Much easier than dealing with high street key cutters for dozens of keys.
Won't cut certain keys - for security I won't cut keys marked "Do Not Duplicate" or that clearly belong to commercial premises without proof you're authorized.
Worn keys? If your original is really worn, the copy won't work well. Might be time to get a new lock and fresh keys. I can advise when I see it.
Security keys? Some modern locks use keys that can't be copied without authorization codes. If you've got those, you'll need to go back to whoever installed them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cut keys at my house?
Yes - I've got a key cutting machine in the van. As long as it's a standard key type (most house keys, padlock keys, etc.) I can cut it there and then. Takes about 10-15 minutes per key.
What types of keys can you cut?
Most standard house keys (Yale, Chubb, Union, etc.), padlock keys, garage keys, window keys. Can't do car keys with chips or really unusual security keys. If you text me a photo I can confirm before coming out.
Do I need to provide the spare blanks?
No - I carry stock of common key blanks. If you've got an unusual one I might need to order it, but 95% of house keys I can do straight away.
Will you test they work?
Absolutely - I test every key in the lock before leaving. No point having a spare that doesn't work. If it doesn't fit perfectly first time, I'll adjust it until it does.
Can you cut from a photo of a key?
No - I need the actual key to copy from. For security reasons key cutters can't work from photos. Need the original in hand to cut accurately.
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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