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

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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

[@ucanfixit]

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]

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]

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]

😂 Thank you!

[@muddro420]

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

[@deaconjacob2283]

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]

@Deacon Jacob instablaster =)

[@deaconjacob2283]

@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]

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"

[@GalokVonGreshnak]

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.

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Great tip!

[@itrstt66]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Shadobanned4life]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandrakeller5635]

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]

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

[@Doctor_Dank]

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

[@Gumarko]

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

[@alwolschleger7242]

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.

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thanks for the tips!

[@ivanpedrorodriguespaescost8052]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

You're welcome!

[@didforlove]

is there alot of theft in Brazil ?

[@rdEyrapr]

Awesome and thank you. Very eye opening

[@0323mohammed]

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

[@mistywilson7152]

Informative and helpful, the closeups are very useful.

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottzimmerman9619]

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

[@tinos0330]

Thank you! It looks so hard

[@gazaziho]

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

[@curley6531]

very good video robert !

[@pavelgrace3624]

This is beautiful how amazing thank you

[@rexlaine9399]

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

[@terrytin7352]

Excellent!!

[@luisdiamonv]

Amazing!! Thanks.

[@chiefordnance]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Awesome.

[@jacobriddle8957]

Absolutely fascinating thank you for sharing

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ronaldtemplin2290]

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

[@nabiljamaldin4532]

Thanks it was important information

[@haroldhprittjr7007]

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 !

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Great post. Thanks for watching.

[@danshelburne1948]

Tks. For the tip.

[@khimsophacarfixing]

Thanks for your sharing!

[@LocksmithRecommended]

My pleasure!

[@williamherrick497]

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

[@austinknowlton1783]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thanks!

[@TurkVladimir]

Thanks Great Video

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paulromsky9527]

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]

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

[@miguelmalando7066]

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

[@Themoosemangt]

Thanks appreciate it

[@richardp6178]

THANK YOU!

[@TurkVladimir]

Thanks Great Video Presentation Very Clear Camera

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevinlamarr1424]

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]

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

[@JamieTransNyc]

@@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.

[@siddharthchouhan3652]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad I could help!

[@mogo6642]

I may try this

[@kkodalton2275]

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

[@oliveraidoo7861]

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?

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Yes, but easier to pick open then rekey.

[@sarahsands9378]

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

[@MizGizma]

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]

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 .

[@SquareBiscuitProductions]

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]

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

[@DavidGutierrez-zi4dy]

Great.

[@Enigma758]

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.

[@TurkVladimir]

Thanks

[@saartjie...8178]

Thank you

[@LocksmithRecommended]

You're welcome

[@livefortoday2127]

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.

[@nooneshero9819]

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?

[@pablolynch1152]

Very good

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thanks

[@motswadiwamonna3880]

Little bit tricky but cool.

[@LSniumUwU]

Ive always wondered that, good thing the internet exists.

[@karensabolcik2511]

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.

[@jonbottoms8988]

Thank you for using a pippen file!!

[@Datacorrupter234]

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

[@rajaqassim2606]

thnx sir

[@luisr5731]

Nice

[@mickjagger8621]

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

[@timallen6025]

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

[@nikitamullen5435]

can this be used for car keys

[@ScoutCrafter]

Excellent presentation. Thanks so much!

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffmoss26]

I do it daily!

[@madhavannair396]

Good..... ❤

[@barneycarparts]

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

[@joesinakandid528]

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

[@CandyGramForMongo_]

Pick the lock and read the pins?

[@garyb8186]

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.

[@LocksmithRecommended]

We like the pippin amzn.to/41BL65K

[@paulromsky9527]

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

[@pablolynch1152]

Interesting

[@lauradahlus]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

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

[@n.w.aicecube5713]

Thanks men

[@LocksmithRecommended]

You're welcome!

[@stephenzies8867]

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

[@mknight6026]

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

[@violentdoza8259]

amazing

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@msalikemedia]

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

[@niksongaming263]

Good vid

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thanks! Fast comment! 😃

[@sayyidbaraguir9603]

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

[@NitroFlux07]

does this work for flat keys?

[@growingeverythinggreen9264]

Awesome video where can I go to become a locksmith technician

[@LocksmithRecommended]

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

[@theroyaltypalacehome7461]

Can you help me with one. ??

[@asdrty258]

Al foil can work? Covering the filed edge #bono

[@JC_Pinos]

Nice!

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thanks!

[@twinkie27271]

What file is used? Great video btw.

[@LocksmithRecommended]

It's called a pippin file.

[@sadikali1849]

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

[@magicone9327]

Show profile of the type of file used.

[@branpugh]

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]

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]

@@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]

@@branpugh Did you manage?

[@donovandouglas6617]

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

[@aterack833]

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]

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

[@FELIX-136]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Pippen file

[@joshuarowell1170]

Well, I've done this back in 2019 very easy, but not for door locks or cam locks. I made car door locks and then moved over from there to make an enshanine key because the old ley broke, and when we took it to a locksmith or a hard wear store to get it copied we brought it back home and tryed it out it did not work to turn the car over so I looked at the old key and the key copy and took a sharpie and traced the key depth after doing that I noticed that the copied key tip was filed down to far this was for a Chevy 2019 avio I then tried it my self with files to get it to turn the cylinder in the steering weal over or as you would calling it the enichen switch sorry I have a bad phone spell check system but after the first one I made and how time consuming it was to file it I then when back to that same hardware store and asked if near the end to not cut the last part of the key or instead I will just buy 6 blank keys and trace then key I made over to the blank key witch in return made a slite mess-up with out holding the keys to gether with a ficegrip and then marking them but the good thing I noticed it before I started filing the key so after filing the key I wire bushed it to get rid of any left over debree and I checked the inner cylinder to also see if it was dirty at all to mack shear there was not any thing gunking up the lock cylinder From Joshua rowell. Ps the store that cut the key wrong was ace hardware in Vallejo, CA, contact me if you would like, and thank you for letting me leave a comment have a nice day.

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Thank you for the comment!

[@rohanboswell5408]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Find a better locksmith. If you were local, we'd make you a key.

[@frankpeter6851]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

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

[@joesinakandid528]

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

[@ianbowles1799]

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

[@LocksmithRecommended]

Most of your locksmith shops will carry hundreds of different blanks.

[@sugewhitejacoby8654]

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]

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.

[@fulfillmentprop1281]

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

[@GnarledSage]

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]

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

[@GnarledSage]

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?

[@dantaylor2208]

Need one for my 59 vette. But I think I'll just take the switch in.😅

[@LocksmithRecommended]

A locksmith will certainly be able to do that for you. Nice car!

[@p52893]

I use dykem or a marker.

[@yeehawmcskrrtskrrt5711]

Does this work for mopeds?

[@LocksmithRecommended]

For a skilled and well practice locksmith yes. But ignitions are some of the hardest to impression.

[@robertn314]

Does it matter what side of the key you file at an angle ?

[@LocksmithRecommended]

No. Just need to thin it out.

[@robertn314]

@@LocksmithRecommended Thank You I took a key and filed it all down and then filled it in with solder and I filed down The notches that I could see on the solder because solder was so soft and then it worked and then I made a copy of that. Thank you so much for responding to me that's a great video