How the Key Cutting Process Works
The key duplication process is straightforward but must be done correctly to produce a reliable copy. Here is exactly what happens at our workshop, step by step.
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1Bring the original key. The key to be duplicated must be present. We cannot cut from a photo, a wax impression, or a description. The original is the only reliable template for an accurate copy.
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2We select the correct blank. Each key profile has a corresponding blank — a pre-cut key body in the right shape for that lock family. We match the original’s profile to the correct blank from our stock. An incorrect blank is the most common reason a copied key fails to turn the lock.
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3The key is traced and cut. The original key is placed on the cutting machine alongside the blank. The machine traces the original’s cut profile and replicates it exactly onto the blank, tooth by tooth. Modern cutting machines are precise to fractions of a millimetre.
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4Deburring and finishing. The newly cut key is deburred to remove metal shavings that could scratch the lock cylinder or cause the key to stick on the first few insertions. A clean, smooth key enters the lock more reliably and causes less wear to the cylinder pins.
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5Test if possible. When you have the lock available, we recommend testing the new key on the spot. Most keys work first time; occasionally a minor adjustment of a fraction of a millimetre is needed. Testing takes 30 seconds and confirms the key works before you leave.
At Iglisi Watch, most key duplications take under 5 minutes. No appointment needed — walk in with your original key and walk out with your spare.
Types of Keys We Cut
| Key Type | Can We Cut It? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard door keys (flat, dimple) | Yes | Most common. Quick and inexpensive. |
| Padlock keys | Yes | Most sizes and profiles. |
| Mailbox keys | Yes | Standard profiles. |
| Office / cabinet keys | Yes | Including many tubular types. |
| Mortice keys (large barrel) | Yes | Older door locks, very common in Albania. |
| High-security keys (Mul-T-Lock, Abloy) | Selected types | Bring the original — we’ll confirm on sight. |
| Car keys (transponder / remote) | No | Require specialised programming equipment. We do not cut car keys. |
| Electronic smart keys / RFID fobs | No | Not key-cut items — require programming. |
Please note: We do not cut car keys or transponder keys. These require specialised coding equipment beyond key cutting. For vehicle keys, contact a certified automotive locksmith.
What to Bring
The original key
The key must be in readable condition. A worn key with faint cuts produces inaccurate copies — the copy inherits the same wear as the original. If your original is very old or heavily worn, let us know: in some cases investing in a new original — or replacing the lock cylinder — is a better outcome than duplicating a tired one.
Know your purpose
Tell us what the key is for. This helps us select the right blank from our stock quickly. “Front door,” “padlock,” “letter box” — a brief description saves time and ensures the correct blank is chosen from the start. Wrong blanks that look similar to the original can produce a key that almost works but binds the cylinder under load.
Proof of ownership (for restricted keys)
For high-security or restricted key profiles, we may ask for proof that you have the right to duplicate the key — for example, ownership documents for a property or a landlord’s written permission. This protects both you and us, and is standard practice for responsible key cutting.
Your time
Bring the lock if at all possible for on-the-spot testing. Testing takes 30 seconds and confirms the new key works correctly before you leave the workshop. A key that passes the test leaves no doubt — and saves a return visit if a minor adjustment is needed.
How Many Copies Should You Make?
There is no universal rule, but the following guidelines apply to most households and workplaces:
- One spare per person who regularly uses the key. If three family members live in the same house, three copies is a reasonable starting point — one for daily use and one spare per person is even better.
- One spare stored away from home — kept at a trusted neighbour’s, a relative’s, or in a secure lockbox at work. If you lock yourself out, this is the copy that saves you from an emergency callout at an inconvenient hour.
- Don’t make more than you can track. Every copy of a key is a potential security exposure. Know exactly how many copies exist and who holds each one. If you cannot account for a copy — perhaps after a tenant has left, or after moving into a new property — consider replacing the lock cylinder rather than assuming all copies are accounted for.
A spare key made today costs a fraction of what a locksmith callout costs when you’re locked out at 10 PM. Most people who find themselves locked out make getting a spare cut their first priority once they’re back inside. Don’t wait for the lockout — come in now.
Key Quality and Why It Matters
Not all key blanks are equal, and the difference matters more than most people realise. Cheap blanks are made from softer zinc alloys that wear faster under daily use. After several months of regular use, a soft blank can develop enough wear on the cut teeth that the key begins to operate intermittently — working fine sometimes and sticking or binding at others. This kind of gradual failure is particularly frustrating because it appears random and is difficult to diagnose.
We use quality brass and hardened alloy blanks from reputable suppliers. The cost difference to the customer is negligible — a few additional lek on most keys — but the difference in reliability over years of daily use is significant. A well-made copy on a quality blank, cut precisely, should last as long as the original.
One further note: some keys carry a “Do Not Duplicate” stamp. This is a request to key cutters, not a technical barrier. We respect such requests and may ask for authorisation before duplicating a marked key. If you are the rightful key holder, authorisation is straightforward and takes moments.
Need a Key Cut?
Walk into our workshop on Rruga Aleksander Goga in Durrës, Monday to Saturday, 8:30–20:30. Bring your original key. Most duplications are done in under 5 minutes — no appointment needed.
Rruga Aleksander Goga · Durrës 2001 · Albania · +355 67 636 0510
Published by Iglisi Watch · Durrës, Albania · April 2026. Car keys and transponder keys are not available — contact a certified automotive locksmith for vehicle key services.