A common question from homeowners is how much does it cost to get a locksmith to make an impression on a lock. The good news is that it’s a fairly simple procedure, and the average cost to make a new key from an impression is around $30. This includes key blanks. Impressioning is done by a professional locksmith with the proper tools. But, if you’re wondering how much it costs, you may be surprised.

A locksmith would have to determine the type of key and its profile. Then, they would use a vernier to measure the depth of the impression and compare it to known pins. For example, a locksmith could make a key from a lock impression, or from a soap impression. In some cases, locksmiths may not charge this fee, but it will depend on the complexity of the job. If you are not sure how much it costs, call around to get a quote.

Before calling a locksmith, know how much you can reasonably expect to pay. Many locksmiths charge from $40 to $70 for a standard service call, which includes time to travel to the location, perform the work, and drive back to the location. Additionally, plumbers and electricians charge based on the amount of time it takes them to perform the work. This is an important factor in determining the cost of a locksmith.

The process of impressioning a key can be quite complicated. If you’re a beginner, try to make an impression yourself before paying someone else to do it. Start by preparing a brass key blank. If you’re a beginner, you’ll need at least 5 blanks in your arsenal, and more, the better. It’s also a good idea to have at least five key blanks in your kit, so you can practice your skills.

A cheap locksmith can also make an impression of a lock by observing how the original key looks. The method is a little more difficult, but a qualified locksmith will be able to make an impression of a lock accurately. However, if you’re not able to give a locksmith a key impression, they can use a copy of it. Generally, it’s cheaper to copy an existing key than to make a new one from a duplicate.

The process of imprinting a lock requires quite a bit of force, and a key grip can make this process easier. If you’re not sure how much a professional locksmith should charge for making an impression, you can try Thumbtack’s tips on smart hiring. It’s best to ask for quotations before committing to hiring a locksmith. Then, you can make an informed decision.