Does Walmart Make Keys?
Walmart is well-known for offering a wide range of products and services, including key duplication.
Many Walmart locations provide key cutting services through self-service kiosks or in-store assistance, making it convenient for customers to get duplicate keys for homes, offices, and certain types of vehicles.
These kiosks, often branded as MinuteKey, allow users to quickly and easily duplicate standard keys.
While Walmart’s key duplication services are suitable for many common keys, specialized or high-security keys may require a visit to a professional locksmith or specialized key service provider.
Types Of Keys Walmart Can Duplicate?
Walmart offers key duplication services that cover a range of common key types.
Below are the primary categories of keys that can be duplicated at many Walmart locations:
1. House Keys
- Walmart can duplicate most standard house keys, including keys for front doors, back doors, and interior doors. These keys are typically straightforward to copy and are among the most commonly duplicated.
2. Office Keys
- Standard office keys can also be duplicated at Walmart. This includes keys for office doors, storage rooms, and file cabinets. As with house keys, these are generally easy to replicate using Walmart’s key duplication machines.
3. Car Keys
- Walmart’s ability to duplicate car keys is more limited compared to house and office keys. They can duplicate basic car keys without electronic transponders. However, for modern car keys with built-in chips or fobs, customers may need to visit a dealership or a specialized automotive locksmith.
4. Specialty Keys
- Some Walmart locations may offer duplication for certain specialty keys, such as padlock keys and mailbox keys. The availability of this service can vary by store, and not all specialty keys can be duplicated.
5. High-Security Keys
- Walmart typically does not duplicate high-security keys, which often have unique designs and require specialized equipment and authorization to duplicate. For these keys, it is recommended to consult a professional locksmith or the original key provider.
Overall, while Walmart provides a convenient and accessible key duplication service for many common keys, customers with more specialized needs might need to seek out alternative services.
Key Making Process At Walmart
Self-Service Kiosks (e.g., MinuteKey)
Locating a Kiosk
- Many Walmart stores have self-service key duplication kiosks, often branded as MinuteKey, located near the entrance or in the hardware section.
Using the Kiosk
- Step 1: Insert your original key into the designated slot.
- Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions to select the type of key you want to duplicate.
- Step 3: Choose the number of copies needed.
- Step 4: Pay for the service using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
- Step 5: Wait for the machine to duplicate the key, which typically takes a few minutes.
- Step 6: Retrieve your original key and the newly duplicated keys from the kiosk.
Advantages
- Convenient and quick process.
- Available during store hours, often including evenings and weekends.
- Competitive pricing compared to traditional locksmiths.
Disadvantages
- Limited to duplicating standard house, office, and some car keys.
- No human assistance available for troubleshooting issues.
In-Store Assistance
Visiting the Hardware Section
- Some Walmart locations offer key duplication services through the hardware department, where staff members can assist with key cutting.
Getting Help from Staff
- Step 1: Bring your original key to the hardware section.
- Step 2: Request key duplication assistance from a store employee.
- Step 3: The employee will use a key cutting machine to create a duplicate.
- Step 4: Pay for the service at the checkout counter or designated payment area.
Advantages
- Personalized assistance from store employees.
- Ability to handle more complex key types compared to self-service kiosks.
Disadvantages
- Dependent on staff availability and store hours.
- May take longer than using a self-service kiosk, especially during busy times.
Overall Considerations
- Convenience: Self-service kiosks offer a quick and easy solution for standard key duplication needs, while in-store assistance provides additional support for more complex requirements.
- Cost: Both options are generally affordable,
Cost Of Making Key At Walmart
1. Standard House and Office Keys
- Generally range from $2 to $6 per key.
- Self-service kiosks like MinuteKey typically fall within this range.
2. Car Keys
- Basic car keys (without electronic components) can cost $2 to $6.
- Car keys with transponder chips or other electronic features are usually not duplicated at Walmart and may require a visit to a locksmith or dealership.
3. Specialty Keys
- Prices for specialty keys (e.g., certain high-security or uniquely shaped keys) vary and are often higher.
- Availability and pricing for these keys may be limited.
Comparison with Other Key Duplication Services
1. Home Improvement Stores (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s)
- Prices are generally similar to Walmart’s, ranging from $1 to $5 for standard keys.
2. Professional Locksmiths
- Typically more expensive, with standard keys ranging from $5 to $10 and car keys with transponders often costing $50 or more.
3. Automated Kiosks (e.g., MinuteKey)
- Prices at these kiosks are competitive with Walmart, usually falling within the $2 to $6 range.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Special Discounts or Offers
- Walmart occasionally offers promotions or discounts on key duplication services.
Service Fees
- Most Walmart locations do not charge additional service fees for key duplication, making it a cost-effective option for many customers.
By considering these price ranges and comparisons, customers can make informed decisions about where to duplicate their keys based on cost and convenience.
Conclusion
Walmart’s key duplication services provide a convenient and accessible solution for customers needing to duplicate standard keys.
With self-service kiosks like MinuteKey and in-store assistance, Walmart makes it easy to obtain copies of house, office, and some car keys.
While their services cover a wide range of common keys, it’s important to note that high-security and specialized keys may not be accommodated and might require the expertise of a professional locksmith.
Frequently Asked Questions?
How long does it take to duplicate a key at Walmart?
- Using a self-service kiosk, the duplication process usually takes just a few minutes. In-store assistance may take slightly longer, depending on the store’s availability.
Are Walmart’s key duplication services available at all locations?
- Not all Walmart locations offer key duplication services. It’s best to check with your local Walmart to confirm availability.
Are self-service key kiosks reliable?
- Yes, self-service key kiosks like MinuteKey are designed to be user-friendly and reliable for duplicating standard keys.
Can Walmart duplicate car keys with chips or transponders?
- Walmart’s key duplication services typically do not include car keys with chips or transponders. For these, a dealership or specialized service is recommended.
What should I do if my duplicated key doesn’t work?
- If your duplicated key doesn’t work, you can return to the Walmart where it was duplicated for assistance. They may re-cut the key or offer a refund.
Are there any alternatives to getting keys duplicated at Walmart?
- Yes, alternatives include professional locksmiths, hardware stores, and other retail stores that offer key duplication services.
