How Do Locksmiths Make Keys Without an Original Key - How to Impression a Key

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  • čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
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    You have a lock, but you have no key. How do you make a key for a lock without the original key?
    Locksmiths have many ways to make keys when no current key is available. In this video, we are going to talk about how to impression a key.
    Key impressioning will work for just about any standard key. It just takes time and practice to learn the technique. The most difficult part for an amature trying to impression a key will be to determine the key blank needed for the lock. Take the lock to a locksmith shop and they'll help you get the right blank.
    Don't want to make the key yourself? The current national average pricing to impression or make a key when no working key is available is $30-$40 plus key blanks.
    Impressioning will allow you and/or a locksmith to make a tool box key, make a utility box key, make a car rack key, make a padlock key, and so much more....
    00:00 How Locksmiths Make Keys
    00:37 What is Key Impressioning
    01:00 How to Get the Right Key Blank
    01:52 Filing the Key
    02:20 Make the Impression by Twisting
    02:56 Identifying impression Marks
    03:11 Tip on Making Marks Easier to See
    03:34 Filing and Progressing Impression Marks
    04:33 Success!
    04:48 Refining the Key
    05:00 Transferring the Cuts to a Fresh Key Blank
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Komentáře • 251

  • @ucanfixit
    @ucanfixit Před 6 měsíci +21

    I did what you said, and now have a key that turns the lock in my 29 Ford Pickup. Not quite sure I want to take this back to the shop that said they could not do it. I do not think they wanted to spend the time! Anyway, thank you, it worked. I am a retired electrician and mechanic, and followed your instructions. First key worked! Doug, Oak Harbor Wa.

    • @codypendency9482
      @codypendency9482 Před 2 měsíci

      I mean if someone came to me asking for me to pick a lock and I’d never tried I probably wouldn’t do it either lol. Impressive you did it yourself

  • @ATy78
    @ATy78 Před 3 lety +147

    This vid wasn't what I was looking for but you seem like a really nice guy and very enthusiastic about this so i'll like it anyways.

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 3 lety +12

      😂 Thank you!

    • @muddro420
      @muddro420 Před 3 lety +8

      @@LocksmithRecommended im gonna second this guy's sentiment, only i'm gonna subscribe too. cheers :)

    • @deaconjacob2283
      @deaconjacob2283 Před 2 lety +1

      Sorry to be so offtopic but does any of you know a tool to log back into an instagram account?
      I was dumb forgot the account password. I would love any help you can give me.

    • @coryallan1786
      @coryallan1786 Před 2 lety +1

      @Deacon Jacob instablaster =)

    • @deaconjacob2283
      @deaconjacob2283 Před 2 lety +1

      @Cory Allan thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process now.
      Takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

  • @MrMightyytau
    @MrMightyytau Před rokem +5

    I just tried to get a local locksmith to make a key, I knew the profile and I recon they need to see this video as they couldn’t or wouldn’t make a key for the two barrels, I am definitely going to have a go with this technique. two days latter using this technique... I worked, I knew the blank profile , i filed it down but buffed it to a high shine and this helped identify the marks.
    I am looking forward to the look on the lock smiths face when I take the key to get others made.. as I mentioned the technique and he just smiled Follow up the Lock Smith was impressed "well done"

  • @itrstt66
    @itrstt66 Před 3 lety +27

    THIS IS JUST THE RIGHT PIECE OF INFORMATION I WAS LOOKING FOR YEARS!!!

  • @GalokVonGreshnak
    @GalokVonGreshnak Před 3 lety +41

    Thank you; it's always interesting seeing different approaches to impressioning. One I like to do is give the top of the key a light sandingto get rid of any coating, and then color over with a sharpie and file accordingly.

  • @sandrakeller5635
    @sandrakeller5635 Před 3 lety +20

    I am a lock and key person at a school. I learned a lot about our regular locks but small locks with no key are a big problem for me. I will try this. Thank you

    • @user-ol4ps9sg9k
      @user-ol4ps9sg9k Před 10 měsíci +2

      Well its been 2 years and how did that work for you?.. well don't be shy

    • @Doctor_Dank
      @Doctor_Dank Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@user-ol4ps9sg9k Careful, if you want a response you don't wanna scare her away by being so pushy.

  • @Shadobanned4life
    @Shadobanned4life Před 3 lety +19

    Right to the point,and easy to follow. Awesome vid,thanks for sharing this valuable information !🌞

  • @Gumarko
    @Gumarko Před rokem +2

    Excellent video. Very informative and easy to follow. Thank you!

  • @0323mohammed
    @0323mohammed Před 2 lety +1

    Hey Roberts 👋
    Thanks for this information. Very interesting and useful information. I'm a law-abiding citizen, so don't worry lol
    Have lots of hobbies, just collected for a closed own factory lost of keys hoping to find the relevant locks

  • @ivanpedrorodriguespaescost8052

    I'm a Locksmith (beginner) in Brazil and I really liked this video. Tks.

  • @scottzimmerman9619
    @scottzimmerman9619 Před 2 lety +5

    The nice thing about this approach is that you don't need solder or lead to make the impression!

  • @alwolschleger7242
    @alwolschleger7242 Před 9 měsíci +5

    Good video. Those wafer locks are definitely good to learn with. I like to, once I get my first set of marks, take a thin Sharpie and mark on the side of the blank where those marks were so if I see other marks I'm not following a wild goose.
    The other thing I did was picked up a cheap set of jewelers' loupes. Makes seeing what's on the blank way easier.

  • @rexlaine9399
    @rexlaine9399 Před 2 lety +2

    I just cut 2 for an 84 Alfa Romeo spider, success!

  • @rdEyrapr
    @rdEyrapr Před 2 lety +2

    Awesome and thank you. Very eye opening

  • @tinos0330
    @tinos0330 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thank you! It looks so hard

  • @mistywilson7152
    @mistywilson7152 Před rokem +4

    Informative and helpful, the closeups are very useful.

  • @gazaziho
    @gazaziho Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks a lot , I always have curiosity to know how to.
    You answered me.

  • @curley6531
    @curley6531 Před 3 lety +1

    very good video robert !

  • @pavelgrace3624
    @pavelgrace3624 Před 8 měsíci +1

    This is beautiful how amazing thank you

  • @chiefordnance
    @chiefordnance Před 3 lety +8

    16 key 🔑 blanks later and I'm 👍good to go.

  • @williamherrick497
    @williamherrick497 Před měsícem +2

    I use a black sharpie on the knife edge to aid detecting the impression marks. wash rinde repeat

  • @terrytin7352
    @terrytin7352 Před rokem +2

    Excellent!!

  • @miguelmalando7066
    @miguelmalando7066 Před 3 lety +3

    Thank you for helping me hit my first lick you a real one

  • @jacobriddle8957
    @jacobriddle8957 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Absolutely fascinating thank you for sharing

  • @ronaldtemplin2290
    @ronaldtemplin2290 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thank you, I know what to ask for regarding our motorhome now...

  • @luisdiamonv
    @luisdiamonv Před 4 měsíci +1

    Amazing!! Thanks.

  • @nabiljamaldin4532
    @nabiljamaldin4532 Před rokem +2

    Thanks it was important information

  • @siddharthchouhan3652
    @siddharthchouhan3652 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Thanks for this video I am able to make a key successfully.

  • @TurkVladimir
    @TurkVladimir Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thanks Great Video

  • @haroldhprittjr7007
    @haroldhprittjr7007 Před 2 lety +1

    Yeah I did this on some old locks I didn’t have a key for the first one three times nothing its a old big no5 master lock . Second one newer type with the blue band at the bottom no3 first key filed kept at it just working the hell outta it and bam it turned made two new keys to fit it off a bunch of used keys . I’m on number 5 now with the old no5 it looks like it says in black ink A631 or A531 it’s faded badly . I’ve broken a couple keys pulled them out before they were in two . I found keeping the points down between the notches helps I’d could see we’re the tumblers we’re hitting the ramps up and down . It’s a job that requires patience and skill with the ability to keep trying till you succeed. If you get aggregated to lay it down and mess with something different for a while then come back to it . It’s definitely a learning curve! Thanks for the video it’s been helpful !

  • @sarahsands9378
    @sarahsands9378 Před 2 lety

    Ima try it on my bike lock I have the key someweres but I’m just Cyrus on if I have the skills to do it what all would I have to do to become a lock smith what are the reqirements as for as education snd getting started and so on ? Ok thank you have good day and God Bless

  • @kkodalton2275
    @kkodalton2275 Před 2 lety +2

    A day late and a drilled out ignition later. It was not thinning the keys is why I failed.. thanks for the informative illustrations...

  • @Enigma758
    @Enigma758 Před měsícem

    What do you think about using a thin layer of red nail polish instead of the smoke? I realize you would have to wait for it to dry, but if time is not a concern, I wonder if that would make a more "obvious" impression.

  • @danshelburne1948
    @danshelburne1948 Před 3 lety +1

    Tks. For the tip.

  • @Datacorrupter234
    @Datacorrupter234 Před rokem +1

    My ingenious mother was organizing things around the house without me knowing lown behold she threw away my entire keyset LOL good to know i have options

  • @khimsophacarfixing
    @khimsophacarfixing Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks for your sharing!

  • @richardp6178
    @richardp6178 Před 2 lety

    THANK YOU!

  • @nooneshero9819
    @nooneshero9819 Před rokem +2

    Thanks for the video. But why not just pick and decode? This way it will be much faster. You will have the key code to cut several correct keys?

  • @Themoosemangt
    @Themoosemangt Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks appreciate it

  • @TurkVladimir
    @TurkVladimir Před 5 měsíci

    Thanks Great Video Presentation Very Clear Camera

  • @paulromsky9527
    @paulromsky9527 Před rokem +1

    When breaking into a bank, it is best..... no just kidding, great video!

  • @livefortoday2127
    @livefortoday2127 Před 2 měsíci

    could you make a tin keyblank? if i take a pieces of tin fold it in half and cut out the key with the sharp point. (the corners of the tin is were the sharp point is. so like the fake key is lift with a strong back back because its the curve of the folded tin. so you would end up with softer metal to make better makers.

  • @mickjagger8621
    @mickjagger8621 Před rokem

    What style of
    lock is that or keyword to buy it? Just a round cylinder with a arm at the end?

  • @LSniumUwU
    @LSniumUwU Před 3 lety +1

    Ive always wondered that, good thing the internet exists.

  • @austinknowlton1783
    @austinknowlton1783 Před 3 lety +3

    I am interested in becoming a locksmith and I found this video very educational. I'm definitely subscribing.

  • @kevinlamarr1424
    @kevinlamarr1424 Před 3 lety +1

    I’m trying to take out the in dash ignition switch on a 1984 Winnebago with a Chevy P-30 chassis because I don’t have any of the keys that’s how I found your channel . It seems easier to just enlarge the area around the ignition switch rather than destroy the cylinder. No that I’ve seen this I’m gonna give it a try. Thanks 😊

    • @Berry-McCaulkiner
      @Berry-McCaulkiner Před 3 lety

      You should be able to get a key made using the VIN number

    • @JamieTransNyc
      @JamieTransNyc Před 3 lety

      @@Berry-McCaulkiner This is often not true. The dealers do not maintain Vin-to-key data beyond ten years. There are some special locksmith databases that can give this information. Unfortunately, most locksmiths either do not know this or will not tell you about it. They will try to sell you a "service call" where they come to your lcoation and make a key for $200 instead of making a key by code (looked up by vin) for $30.

  • @paulromsky9527
    @paulromsky9527 Před rokem +8

    Great video! I guess you should mention not to put too much force on the key when impressioning, you don't want to break the key off in the lock. How do you know how far to file down each spot after each impression round? A lite mark gets a tiny bit of filing down and a heavy mark gets a bit more of filing down? How do you know when to stop filing down in one spot... no mark at all?

    • @kona702
      @kona702 Před rokem +2

      This is exactly what I was wondering. Like how do you know when to stop filing on each pin?

  • @karensabolcik2511
    @karensabolcik2511 Před rokem

    I found something outside my door on the ground on the side of the door where the lock it. It looks like part of a key or something w a black elbow handle. I wish I can show a picture I want to send it to to. I dunno what this thing is and my first thought was to try to match it up w my house key. The groves in it is the same length as my key groves.

  • @nikitamullen5435
    @nikitamullen5435 Před 3 lety +3

    can this be used for car keys

  • @mknight6026
    @mknight6026 Před rokem

    I can see this working for wafers but does it really work for pins?

  • @mogo6642
    @mogo6642 Před rokem +2

    I may try this

  • @pablolynch1152
    @pablolynch1152 Před měsícem +1

    Very good

  • @saartjie...8178
    @saartjie...8178 Před rokem +1

    Thank you

  • @NitroFlux07
    @NitroFlux07 Před 2 lety

    does this work for flat keys?

  • @CandyGramForMongo_
    @CandyGramForMongo_ Před rokem +1

    Pick the lock and read the pins?

  • @DavidGutierrez-zi4dy
    @DavidGutierrez-zi4dy Před rokem

    Great.

  • @barneycarparts
    @barneycarparts Před 3 lety

    Thanks I have a 50 year old Honda Gas tank lock. This will help.

    • @joesinakandid528
      @joesinakandid528 Před 2 lety

      So how many years have you NOT put gas in that vintage antique?

  • @MizGizma
    @MizGizma Před 3 lety +5

    The front door of my house has an old 1920s brass russwin lock that I'd like to keep ... no keys. I might as well give this a try. Thanks.

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 3 lety +5

      If you can't get it, have a locksmith out They'll be able to take it apart and make you a key. You can find legi) locksmiths at findalocksmith.com .

  • @jonbottoms8988
    @jonbottoms8988 Před rokem +1

    Thank you for using a pippen file!!

  • @motswadiwamonna3880
    @motswadiwamonna3880 Před 3 lety +2

    Little bit tricky but cool.

  • @sayyidbaraguir9603
    @sayyidbaraguir9603 Před 28 dny

    here, a 14 yr old being scolded by my older brother coz i lost the key of his bike, how am i even suppose to know what blank key am i going to use, don't even know where to get that tool to scratch/score the blank key. Is there any other easier way to do it? I just wanna replace the key so he won't talk bad to me anymore

  • @timallen6025
    @timallen6025 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks I have a great padlock and chain and no more keys !

  • @SquareBiscuitProductions
    @SquareBiscuitProductions Před 3 lety +5

    I don’t have to throw out my padlock after all :)
    This is really helpful. It isn’t worth getting a pro to do it because of the cost but for the cost of a few key blanks, I think that I might just give it a go!

    • @lisaquiroz3102
      @lisaquiroz3102 Před rokem

      Padlocks are not easy to impression and most locksmith won't sale you blank keys.

  • @donovandouglas6617
    @donovandouglas6617 Před 2 lety

    I'm looking for a key for a 1981 Isuzu I-Mark if anyone has any info please lmk

  • @stephenzies8867
    @stephenzies8867 Před 2 lety +2

    Hank Spicer Was The Master Of Impressioning Automotive Keys Back In The Day

  • @TurkVladimir
    @TurkVladimir Před 3 lety

    Thanks

  • @oliveraidoo7861
    @oliveraidoo7861 Před rokem +4

    Am very glad to discover this video, Robert. Thanks for making this.
    Anyway, do you mind me asking a question.
    Would a locksmith be able to create an impression for a door whose key is missing and cut the key?

  • @luisr5731
    @luisr5731 Před 2 lety +1

    Nice

  • @jeffmoss26
    @jeffmoss26 Před 3 lety +4

    I do it daily!

  • @madhavannair396
    @madhavannair396 Před 3 lety +1

    Good..... ❤

  • @theroyaltypalacehome7461

    Can you help me with one. ??

  • @asdrty258
    @asdrty258 Před 2 lety

    Al foil can work? Covering the filed edge #bono

  • @n.w.aicecube5713
    @n.w.aicecube5713 Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks men

  • @garyb8186
    @garyb8186 Před rokem +2

    thanks for the video, Just subscribed, what type of file is good to use, i use to have one from locksmith course took back in the 80's. the one i had was round.

  • @niksongaming263
    @niksongaming263 Před 3 lety +1

    Good vid

  • @magicone9327
    @magicone9327 Před 3 lety +1

    Show profile of the type of file used.

  • @rajaqassim2606
    @rajaqassim2606 Před 3 lety +1

    thnx sir

  • @msalikemedia
    @msalikemedia Před 3 lety +1

    I like to much to know to make keys but I know one day I will know 🙏

  • @lauradahlus
    @lauradahlus Před rokem +1

    Thanks for the video. Can this technique be used for vehicle door locks too?

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před rokem

      Yes, but those are the hardest to impression, imo. Takes a lot of skill. You could get a key by VIN tho.

  • @fulfillmentprop1281
    @fulfillmentprop1281 Před 2 lety +1

    Time is money 💰 so I think I will just pay a lock smith. LOL 😂

  • @violentdoza8259
    @violentdoza8259 Před 3 lety +1

    amazing

  • @ScoutCrafter
    @ScoutCrafter Před 3 lety

    Excellent presentation. Thanks so much!

  • @rohanboswell5408
    @rohanboswell5408 Před rokem +1

    I have a 1998 Fleetwood bounder without entry door key locksmith says too much trouble ,don't worth his time ,what can I do

  • @pablolynch1152
    @pablolynch1152 Před 2 lety +1

    Interesting

  • @branpugh
    @branpugh Před 4 měsíci

    I’ll be diving into a DIY project to impression a new key for my 67 F250, an old airport stair truck from northwest airlines, unfortunately key not present.. any suggestions for applying this technique to a key with pins on both sides of the key? I’m assuming same technique applies cutting both sides same amount each time?
    Couldn’t source a new old stock ignition tumbler as the 67 were one year trucks with small variations to the 68.
    Thank you in advance!

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 4 měsíci

      Same process, but extremely difficult to do. You could always mail it to us and we can get you a key for it. Without risk of damaging the wafers. If you're interested contact us here. form.jotform.com/60085597700155

    • @branpugh
      @branpugh Před 4 měsíci

      @@LocksmithRecommended I would be able to remove the ignition as a whole, mailing the core still inside the ignition as well as a blank to use. If that would be acceptable I can go through the link and send it out :)

    • @finalblast3825
      @finalblast3825 Před 11 dny

      @@branpugh Did you manage?

  • @JC_Pinos
    @JC_Pinos Před 3 lety

    Nice!

  • @troygrant5418
    @troygrant5418 Před 3 lety

    Revealer in a spray can?

  • @1337BSTAR
    @1337BSTAR Před rokem

    Wait can't you just use a hook to pull the barrel out to see the pins on one of these locks?

  • @GnarledSage
    @GnarledSage Před 5 měsíci

    Where the mark is, do you file it down? Or leave the “bump” where it marked? I’m not sure if the mark should be the “point”, or the “hollow” in the key. I hope it’s understandable what I’m asking, I’m not sure in how to proceed.

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 5 měsíci

      File at the mark. That is a pin hitting the key.

    • @GnarledSage
      @GnarledSage Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks for answering. I’m researching all I can, because I got an old motorcycle without key. The problem is that we’re I am (a very rural place), it has been impossible to find blank keys. I’m going to try cutting a key from a picture I got online and hopefully I can make it work. My first try will be with soft metal from a can, because I don’t have tools to cut harder material. Do you think it could work with some patience? Or will I be wasting my time?

  • @aterack833
    @aterack833 Před 2 lety

    So if I file it to one said maybe the impressions will be easier to get from the grease instead of denting the metal of the blank

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 2 lety

      Smoke from a match works really well. Hold a match or later under the key until it darkens.

  • @ianbowles1799
    @ianbowles1799 Před 2 lety

    Is there a cataloge a store that carry blanks or does all the stores pretty much have them.

  • @FELIX-136
    @FELIX-136 Před 6 měsíci +1

    I have tried this method , but did not succeed but i believe it was due to having the wrong file. What file/s do you recommend

  • @sugewhitejacoby8654
    @sugewhitejacoby8654 Před rokem

    I just lost the ignition key to my son's 96 Chevy 1500. So I will be attempting this tomorrow. SMH I can't believe Iost this key!

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před rokem

      If you can't get it to work, call a locksmith. They'll get you going. Ignitions are the hardest to do and you don't want to damage the wafers.

  • @shanda2600
    @shanda2600 Před 2 lety

    I lost the key to my cable bike lock. Is it possible to make a key replacement??? Thanks!

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 2 lety +1

      Should be, depending on the keyway. Also, depending on the lock, it may cost less to replace the bike lock.

    • @shanda2600
      @shanda2600 Před 2 lety

      @@LocksmithRecommended oh k thanks for the fast reply will look into it.

  • @sadikali1849
    @sadikali1849 Před 2 lety +4

    In india all locksmith make key by impression we don't pick lock , they also make yale and union lock also

  • @joetroutt7425
    @joetroutt7425 Před rokem +1

    Before I watched, this is how I figured it was done. Now I have to go get my file set that I bought not knowing it was a key file kit. Off to make some door keys. Wait a minute they're locked inside my house. 😭😭😭

  • @lookatmestab7965
    @lookatmestab7965 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Lost the key to my motorcycle I’m going to give this a shot I will reply back here after with the results thanks

  • @growingeverythinggreen9264

    Awesome video where can I go to become a locksmith technician

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 2 lety

      You might find our article useful. www.acmelocksmith.com/blog/how-to-become-a-locksmith/

  • @Footress
    @Footress Před rokem +1

    hello friends how are you? Im coming back, say hello to my friends and watch other cool videos

  • @frankpeter6851
    @frankpeter6851 Před 2 lety +2

    Wouldn't it be a good idea to paint the blank key to make the impression more precise?

    • @LocksmithRecommended
      @LocksmithRecommended  Před 2 lety +1

      Possibly. Never tried that one. A lot of techs us smoke by holding a lighter under the key to blacken it.

    • @joesinakandid528
      @joesinakandid528 Před 2 lety +3

      @@LocksmithRecommended A Sharpie works even better and afterwords the marker ink wipes off with rubbing alcohol.