Replacing a Key When There Is Nothing to Copy
Key cutting needs an original to trace. Lost key replacement is for the other case: the last key is gone, the spare was never made, or the only copy is in a coat you no longer own. A locksmith can still produce a working key, by reading the lock's code, by impressioning the cylinder, or from the key number stamped on the lock, the car's VIN, or a safe's paperwork. When the lock itself is the risk, because the key was stolen or lost with your address, the better fix is to rekey the lock and hand you fresh keys.
Our mobile locksmith Staten Island team does this at your door anywhere on the island, from a single apartment deadbolt in St. George to a full set of house, garage and mailbox keys in Tottenville. If you are standing outside right now, call it in as a lockout: we open the door first (home lockout service), then make the key.
Which Key Did You Lose?
🏠 House or apartment key
Made from the lock on site, or the cylinder rekeyed to a new key in minutes. Kwikset, Schlage, Yale, Medeco and most co-op and condo locks. New keys are tested in every door they should open.
🚗 Car key
Cut from the VIN or by decoding the door lock, then programmed to the immobilizer at the car. Stranded with no key at all? Use our emergency car key replacement.
📬 Mailbox key
Private and landlord-owned mailboxes and cluster units: we open the box, fit a new lock and supply keys. USPS-owned locks, including the arrow lock, are USPS-only and we will tell you if yours is.
🔒 Padlock, cabinet, desk or safe
Many padlocks and cabinet locks can be keyed by code or impressioned; otherwise we replace the lock. Safes are handled through safe opening with proof of ownership.
🏢 Office and commercial key
Restricted and master-key systems need the key code and authorization on file; we work with the building's records so the new key fits the system instead of breaking it.
🔁 Lost one of several copies
When other copies exist, rekeying is usually the right answer: one visit, every lock on one new key, and the missing copy stops working.
New Key or Rekey? A Quick Decision Guide
| Situation | What we recommend | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lost the only key, nobody else could have it | Make a new key from the lock or by code | Service call plus the key; quoted on the phone |
| Key stolen, or lost with something showing your address | Rekey every exterior lock to one new key | $15-$30 per lock, volume discount for several |
| One of several copies is missing | Rekey; cheaper than tracking the copy down | $15-$30 per lock |
| Lost car key, no spare | Cut from VIN or lock and program on site | $35-$450 by key type; see the cost guide |
| Old, worn or high-security lock with no key | Replace the lock and supply new keys | Lock replacement rates on the lock replacement page |
Moving into a new home? Rekey on day one; you never know how many copies the previous owners handed out. Our lock rekeying page explains the process.
How Lost Key Replacement Works
Call and describe the lock
Brand if you know it, how many doors, and whether you are locked out. You get the price and an arrival window on the phone.
Proof of residence
ID with the address, a lease, or a utility bill. We do not make keys to a door for someone who cannot show they belong there.
Make the key or rekey
The cylinder is decoded or impressioned and a new key cut on the van, or the lock is rekeyed and fresh keys cut to the new combination.
Test every door
Each new key is tried in every lock it should open, and we leave you with as many copies as you want at the copy price.
Lost Key Replacement Across Staten Island
Mobile service to every Staten Island neighborhood:
Lost Key Replacement FAQ
Can you make a key if I don't have one to copy?
Yes. That is the difference between key duplication and lost key replacement. We make the key from the lock itself, by reading its code or by impressioning, or from the key code on the lock or your records. For cars we use the VIN or decode the door lock, then program the chip.
Should I replace the key or rekey the lock?
If you lost the only key and nobody else could have it, a new key is enough. If the key was stolen, or lost with anything that shows your address, rekey the lock so the old key no longer works; it is usually $15-$30 per lock and takes minutes. If several copies exist and one is missing, rekeying is the safer and cheaper choice.
Can you replace a lost mailbox key?
For a private or cluster mailbox owned by you or your landlord, yes: we open it, fit a new lock and give you keys. Mailboxes owned by the Postal Service, including the master arrow lock, are serviced only by USPS, and we will tell you if that is your case.
How long does it take?
A house key made from the lock typically takes 20-40 minutes on site. Rekeying adds a few minutes per lock. Car keys take 20-45 minutes including programming.
What are your hours for lost key calls?
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 24 hours a day, holidays included. Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 6 PM. If you are also locked out, say so when you call and we treat it as an emergency.
