Cut new keys.

Standard key cutting in the UK typically costs £3–£12 per key for routine domestic and office keys; specialist or restricted keys (high-security, dimple, vehicle transponder) run £20–£200. Most cobblers (Timpsons), Asda, Tesco, and dedicated locksmith shops cut on-the-spot in 2-5 minutes for standard keys.

The price-driver is restriction level. Mass-market key blanks (Yale, Era, ABUS, generic 6-pin) are cheap and widely available; "patented" or "restricted" key systems (Mul-T-Lock, Avocet, Banham) are intentionally limited to authorised dealers and cost considerably more.

Typical UK key cutting costs

Where to get keys cut

• Timpson / Mr Minit / Snappy Snaps — cobblers and stationers in most UK high streets. Standard domestic keys cut in 2-5 minutes. Cheap, fast, no specialist equipment.
• Asda / Tesco / Sainsbury's — many supermarkets have key kiosks. Convenient if shopping anyway.
• Specialist locksmiths — necessary for restricted, high-security, or vehicle keys. Slower service but full coverage of key types.
• Manufacturer / dealer — Banham, Mul-T-Lock, ASSA ABLOY have direct supply for their patented systems. Often need original "owner card" issued at first lock fitting.

Why some keys cost more

• Patented blanks — manufacturer restricts blank distribution to authorised dealers. Typical for Mul-T-Lock, Avocet ABS, Yale Platinum, Banham. Stops random cobblers cutting copies.
• Dimple keys — different cutting machine and skill needed. Common on European-style cylinders.
• Sidewinder / laser-cut — many automotive keys (BMW, Mercedes, premium VAG) need specialist machines.
• Transponder keys — chip programming requires diagnostic equipment matched to the vehicle. Added time and licensed software.

Restricted key systems

For homes wanting better-than-standard security, restricted key systems include:

• Banham (UK heritage brand) — high-security, restricted to Banham-authorised dealers.
• Mul-T-Lock Interactive+ — Israeli-made high-security system, popular in commercial.
• Avocet ABS — UK-made anti-snap UPVC cylinder with restricted keys.
• Yale Platinum 3-Star — patented Yale system.

To get spare keys, you typically present an "owner card" issued when the lock was first installed — proving you're the authorised key holder.

Things people often miss

• Cut from key vs from lock — copying an existing key is the cheap, fast service. If you've lost all keys, the locksmith may need to read the lock or pinpoint the cuts another way — much slower and more expensive.
• Worn keys cut to wrong specs — old, worn keys cut from rather than from the original spec produce keys that work in the lock but wear it faster. For accuracy, cut from a fresh master or from the lock itself.
• Restricted key documentation — proper key-management for restricted systems means keeping the owner card and noting who has each numbered key. Simple spreadsheet works.
• Vehicle key encoding — modern car keys need both physical cutting AND electronic programming. Cobblers can cut the metal but not always programme. Specialist auto-locksmiths or main dealers programme.
• Lifetime guarantees — Timpsons offers free re-cutting if a key fails to work, which is genuinely useful for older locks.
• "Won't turn" not always a key issue — sometimes the lock is the problem, not the key. Try the original key in the lock; if it won't turn either, the cylinder may need attention.

Frequently asked questions

Want a local pro to handle this? For standard keys, any high-street cobbler. For restricted-key systems or vehicle keys, a specialist locksmith or authorised dealer. The MLA (Master Locksmiths Association) directory lists vetted specialists by area.