JD WILLIAMS LOCKSMITH SERVICE
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YOUR CART

Not all keys are "Just a key".

JD Williams Locksmith Service can help you with nearly all key types. I stock a wide range of keys, from basic house keys to cutting-edge push-to-start smart keys for your car!
House Keys:
  • Schlage
  • Kwikset
  • Defiant
  • Brinks
  • Gatehouse
  • Weiser/Arrow and more!
Commercial Properties:
  • Schlage
  • Von Duprin
  • US LOCK
  • Sargent
  • Yale
  • Glass Storefront Doors
Padlocks:
  • Master lock
  • American Padlocks
  • Abus
Outdoor Recreation:
  • ATV/Motorcyle
  • Yamaha, Honda, Polaris, Suzuki
  • Camper trailer / RV
  • Boats (limited stock)
Tubular Keys / Ace lock keys
  • Vending Machine
  • Safes/locking cabinets
  • Laundromat service keys
  • ​Harley Davidson saddlebags
THE LOCKSMITH DIFFERENCE
New Original vs Duplicate Key
When you bring in a key to be copied, you likely say you need it 'duplicated'. Whenever possible, JD Williams Locksmith Service will instead 'originate' a brand new key. But, what's the difference? In short: a significantly higher-quality product, for just a few dollars more. Read on for more!

Most hardware stores, and even some locksmiths, will duplicate your key. This is fast, easy, and the machines to do this are relatively affordable (only a few hundred dollars). This process is to place your current key on a 'trace duplicator' and run the machine. The machine uses a metal tracer and a cutting wheel to make a near-exact replica of your key. There are two pitfalls with this process:
  • The tolerances of the machines can vary, so each key may be off by a few thousandths of an inch. 
  • Any existing damage or wear-and-tear on your key will incorporated into the copy, and even amplified by the margin of error.
This may not have any effect on just one generation of copies. But we've all seen it happen: a copy-of a copy-of a copy, or a copy of a worn key, just plain won't work right!

JD Williams Locksmith Service can do better than that. Good locksmiths know how keys actually work, and have attention to detail on even the smallest jobs. With just a few measurements (either manually or electronically) we can get the data needed to recreate that key exactly how it was brand new. Some keys have a 5-digit or 6-digit number engraved into the head of the key, making this process even easier. Your new "copy" of the key will be made to the factory specifications, and sometimes works better than the one you brought in!

So why doesn't everyone do it this way? Three main reasons:
  • Cost. The machine I use to accomplish this task cost about $4,000. The cutters cost about $20 each and wear out quickly.
  • Time. It takes 1-2 minutes to set up the machine and 1-2 minutes run it. This time really adds up when there's a line of customers or requests for multiple keys. 5 new keys can take 10 minutes.
  • Knowledge. Simply put, not everybody understands the difference. Some people have the pre-conceived notion of "It's just a simple key" and they cannot be convinced otherwise. Just because you carry it everywhere with you on a daily basis, doesn't mean it isn't a true engineering breakthrough.
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