Target is a retail store that offers a wide range of essentials at reasonable prices. If you need a new set of keys or duplicates, you may be wondering if Target provides key cutting services. Here’s everything you need to know.
Currently, Target doesn’t cut keys. However, they sell some key accessories such as hooks, chains, and rings. You can get your keys done at your local hardware store and other grocery stores such as Lowes, the Home Depot, Walmart, Napa Auto Parts, and Ace Hardware.
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What Other Alternatives Does Target Sell?
While you cannot get key copying services at Target, you can choose from various padlocks plus their keys. You can also get some accessories such as rings, hooks, and chains.
How do you duplicate keys?
The most common way to get a replacement key is using a key cutting machine. The machine uses a template with various cutouts on the original key for each tooth.
When you insert the tooth into one of these cutouts, the blade comes down and cuts off at the proper depth. You then take your new blank and use it to cut out your duplicate keys.
You can also duplicate a key at a locksmith or hardware store. The locksmith will measure the depth and the width of your lock’s keyway and then create a blank that fits perfectly into it. Alternatively, you can make copies of a key at a key-copying kiosk or machine located at your local grocery store.
Where Can You Duplicate Your Keys
You can get custom design keys at a hardware, car dealership, locksmith, or local grocery retail store.
Hardware stores
Hardware stores usually have key duplication machines. You can buy a blank key and have the hardware store cut it to match the original. Some of the hardware stores that offer key duplicating services include;
- Ace Hardware
- The Home Depot
- Menard’s (offers key cutting services in select stores)
- Lowes
- Sears
- True Value Hardware
Grocery stores
Some grocery stores offer key cutting services in addition to selling other hardware items like nails and screws. The cost is generally between $1-$10 per key, depending on the key and whether it requires drilling into the original lock mechanism. Below are some grocery stores you can get your keys cut.
- Walmart
- Select Kroger locations
- Safeway
- Meijer (found mainly in the Midwest states of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa)
- Vons
- Giant Eagle
- Dillions
- H-E-B
- Save Mart
- Bed Bath and Beyond
- Kmart
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Fred Meyer
- Winco (only based in Arizona, Nevada, Washington, California, and Idaho)
- Rite Aid
Automotive stores
Many auto parts stores have key duplication machines on-site. Below are some of the automotive stores to get your auto keys duplicated.
- Pep Boys
- Napa auto parts
- Advance auto parts
- O’Reilly Auto
What is the Cheapest Way to Get Your Keys Made?
The cheapest way to get keys made is to go to a hardware store. A hardware store will usually charge you about $2 per key, which is not very expensive. Hardware stores are good because they do not require an appointment, and they are open during regular business hours.
Another option is to use an online service like KeyMe kiosk or Minute Key kiosk. You can use the KeyMe app to scan the copy of the key you want to duplicate. Once your key is ready, they will mail it to you. Using an online service is advantageous since it keeps a digital copy of the key. So, you don’t have to worry if you lose your spare keys.
Cutting regular house keys typically ranges from $1-$6. Home Depot is one of the cheapest at $1.50 per key copy. Walmart’s MinuteKey kiosks charge $1.98 for standard keys or $50-$100 for specialized keys or electronic automotive keys.
Lowe’s doesn’t charge for key-making services but will charge you $3.48 for decorative keys and $35-$75 for chipped keys.
FAQs
How long does it take to have keys copied?
The time it takes to copy a key depends on its type and how complex it is. You can get a simple key copied within five minutes. But if you have a more complicated key, it can take up to an hour to duplicate.
Why do some keys say “do not duplicate?”
Some keys have the words “do not duplicate” on them primarily for security reasons. It is a way to prevent someone from copying your key and using it to access your home or business. The words aren’t legally binding, although some stores such as Ace Hardware may refuse to cut such keys for you.
How accurate are the key cutting machines?
The key cutting machines are highly accurate. The machines come calibrated to ensure that the cuts are accurate and consistent. The accuracy of a key cutting machine depends on the type of key you are cutting.
The more complicated your key design, the more difficult it’ll be to duplicate accurately. Its accuracy also depends on the skill and experience of whoever is operating the machinery.
Conclusion
Target doesn’t make keys. It only sells accessories related to locks and keys, such as key rings, hooks, or chains. Visit your nearby grocers, hardware stores, or auto parts to duplicate the keys.
You can get your home, office, or car keys made at Walmart, Lowes, Kroger, Pep Boys, the Home Décor, or Napa Auto Parts. Regular keys will cost you between $1 and $10, while special keys with transponder chips cost $33-$100.
