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Local Services · Cutting
Key cutting at your local hardware store.
House keys, mailbox keys, padlock keys, most car key blanks. Cut while you wait, usually a few bucks each, and the counter will spot a worn original before they hand you a copy that won't turn.
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The honest read
What the counter actually cuts
Most household and commercial keys cut in under a minute: Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, Master Lock, mailbox keys, padlock keys, and the standard residential and commercial blanks. Bring the key, walk out with a copy.
Automotive keys are a mixed bag. Basic metal car keys (older vehicles, valet keys, trunk keys) — usually yes. Transponder keys with a chip in the head — sometimes yes, depending on the store's programming equipment. Modern fob-style keys — usually a dealer or locksmith job, but the counter can tell you who in town does them.
If the original key is worn down, the duplicate will be worn the same way — and may not work. Counter staff who know their job will tell you to get a fresh key cut from the lock first if yours is borderline.
What's on the counter
What the local key-cutting counter does
Not every store cuts every key. Call ahead if you have something unusual.
01
Standard house keys
Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, Yale, Defiant — all the common residential blanks. Cut in under a minute. Most stores do these for $2–4 each.
02
Padlock and mailbox keys
Master Lock, American Lock, USPS mailbox keys (the standard 1100 series). If yours is a high-security restricted key, you'll need authorization paperwork — the counter can tell you what's required.
03
Older automotive keys
Pre-2000s vehicles, valet keys, trunk-only keys — most counters cut these easily. Newer transponder or fob keys need a dealer or locksmith with programming gear.
04
Decorative and novelty key blanks
If you want a Star Wars or NFL-branded key blank for your house, most stores stock them. Same cut, way more fun on the keychain.
Before you go
Before you go
- The original key — not a copy of a copy (each duplicate adds a tiny bit of wear)
- Photo ID if the lock is on something that's been recently re-keyed or any kind of restricted blank
- The lock itself if the key is broken, missing, or you're not sure it actually turns the lock cleanly
- A few bucks in cash for tip-jar pricing on a basic key — most stores charge $2–4
- Patience if it's a busy Saturday — key cutting is one person on one machine
Try local first · We'll wait
Find a store that cuts keys near you.
Most independent hardware stores in the NHG network keep a key-cutting machine right by the front counter. Enter your ZIP and we'll point you to the closest one.
More local services
Other things the counter handles
The NHG promise
We support local hardware stores — we don't replace them.
This is one of the services that's better done in person. The store on the corner is built for it.
Why it's worth the trip →