Key Cutting Service Northampton: Which Key Do I Have?
Not every key can be copied the same way, and knowing what you've got before you come in saves time at the counter. This guide explains the main types of house key, how to tell a 3-lever mortice key from a 5-lever one, when a key can't be copied, and how to get the best possible spare from our key cutting service in Northampton.
The four main types of key
Cylinder keys
The most common house key. It's flat, with a row of cuts along one edge, and fits a lock where you can see a round or keyhole-shaped barrel on the door. There are two common types:
- Rim cylinder (often called a Yale-type key) for night latches, the round lock on many older front doors
- Euro cylinder keys for uPVC and composite doors, where the lock barrel is shaped like a keyhole
Mortice keys
Longer keys with a round shank and a flat "bit" at the end with steps cut into it. They fit a mortice lock, which is set into the edge of a wooden door. You'll see them on back doors, older front doors and internal doors.
Padlock keys
Usually small cylinder-style keys. Sheds, gates, garages and lock-ups often use them, and they're easy to lose because they're small.
Security keys
Dimple keys, keys with unusual profiles, and registered or restricted keys that come with a security card. These cost more to cut because the blanks and machining are more involved.
How to tell a 3-lever from a 5-lever mortice key
This matters because 5-lever locks are the more secure type, and many home insurance policies ask for a 5-lever lock to British Standard BS 3621 on final exit doors.
- Check the lock first. Open the door and look at the metal faceplate on its edge. A British Standard 5-lever lock is normally stamped "BS 3621" along with a Kitemark. If you see that, you've got a 5-lever key.
- Look at the key. Count the distinct steps cut into the bit. As a rough guide, a 3-lever key has fewer, simpler steps and a 5-lever key has more, with a deeper and more complex pattern.
- Look at the size. 5-lever keys are often a little longer and heavier, but that's a hint rather than a rule.
If you're still not sure, bring it in. We can tell you in a few seconds, and we sell economy blanks online such as 3-lever key blanks for left-handed locks.
Tip: if you've moved house and only have one mortice key, think about whether to change the lock rather than copy it. You don't know how many copies the previous owners had made.
When a key can't be copied
Most household keys can be copied, but there are some exceptions:
- Car and transponder (chipped) keys. We don't cut these. They need specialist programming.
- Restricted security keys without the card. Registered keys can only be copied by showing the security card that came with the lock. That's the whole point of them, so keep the card somewhere safe.
- Keys too worn to read. If the cuts have worn almost flat, there may not be enough left to copy accurately.
- Photos. We can't cut from a photo. We need the physical key.
Snapped keys aren't necessarily a lost cause. Bring every piece, and if the pattern is still readable we can often duplicate it.
How to get the best spare keys
- Copy from the original. A copy made from a copy loses accuracy each time.
- Clean it first. Grit and grime in the cuts can affect the copy.
- Get several at once. Cylinder keys are 3 for £18 or £6.99 each, and security keys are 2 for £20 or £12.99 each, so doing a batch saves money.
- Test straight away. Try every new key in every lock it's meant for. If one doesn't work, bring it back promptly with the original and we'll recheck and recut it.
- Label them. A cheap key tag saves a lot of trying keys in the wrong door.
Our key cutting service in Northampton: prices
Mortice key cutting starts from £7.99, for both 3-lever and 5-lever keys. Cylinder keys are 3 for £18 or £6.99 each. Security keys are 2 for £20 or £12.99 each. Most keys take 2 to 5 minutes to cut, depending on the queue. You'll find all the details on our key cutting page.
If you'd rather change a cylinder than copy it, cylinders like the MP5 60mm Euro double cylinder in satin chrome are part of our Mix & Match & Save offer. For more general lock security advice, the Master Locksmiths Association is a trusted UK source.
Spare keys FAQs
Can you copy a key that says "do not duplicate"?
Restricted and registered security keys may need the security card that came with the lock. Bring the card along with the key.
Is my door key a Yale key?
"Yale" is often used to mean any rim cylinder key, the flat key for a round night latch. We cut those, along with Euro cylinder keys.
Can you cut a key for a 5-lever lock?
Yes. We cut 3-lever and 5-lever mortice keys, from £7.99.
Do you cut window keys?
We sell window keys such as square section window keys for ERA. Bring yours in and we'll tell you what we can do.
Visit us
RockBottom Northampton, 2 Ashburnham Road, Northampton NN1 4QY. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 5:30pm and Saturday 9am to 5:30pm, closed Sunday. Call us on 01604 720272 or get in touch online. Bring your keys in from Kingsthorpe, Far Cotton, Weston Favell or anywhere in town and we'll cut your spares while you wait.