Does Walmart make keys? This is a question many people are asking as the technology for key duplication continues to advance.
This article will explore the potential of Walmart being able to make keys in 2023, and discuss the implications of such a service. We will examine the current technology available, the potential demand for key duplication, and the potential implications of Walmart providing such a service.
We will also consider some of the ethical and legal considerations associated with Walmart providing key duplication services. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of the potential for Walmart to make keys in 2023.
Does Walmart Make Keys In 2023?
Yes, Walmart duplicates and cuts keys from existing ones in 2022. Walmart partnered with another company called Minute Key to provide key duplication and cutting services for its customers in-store. The key duplication process is fast, easy to know, and accurate.
The minute key kiosk is found in some Walmart stores. It helps cut keys like; home locks, some vehicle keys, and padlocks.The bright green or lemon color of the kiosk placed on one side of the Walmart store makes it easy enough for it to be identified.
The process of duplicating a key at Walmart is a self-service procedure and Walmart customers can get it done with ease, and without the help of a Walmart associate.
All you need to do is to insert your key and the kiosk does the cutting for you. It is very convenient because you get to it right when you need it.
Although Walmart makes key duplication services available to customers, not all keys can be duplicated at Walmart.Â
What Is a Copy Key?
A copy key is a key that has been duplicated from an existing key. It is usually used when a person has lost or misplaced their original key and needs a spare. Copy keys can also be used to provide access to multiple people, such as for a shared apartment or office.
A copy key is simply a physical representation of your original key cut and duplicated for you.
A copy key is very important in situations where you lose your original. Having a spare saves you the trouble of destroying your locks or being locked out of your apartment.
Likewise, a copy key helps you give other close friends access to you apartment without having to give out your original keys.
So, all you need to do is to find stores that offer copy keys services and get your original keys copied.
What Is The Cost of Making Keys at Walmart?
The cost of making keys at Walmart is generally between $3 and $10, depending on the type of key and the number of keys you need to make.
If you want to make a key at Walmart using the minute key, you will be charged a service fee that ranges from $2 to $6 for a single key.
There are different designs of keys available at the minute key kiosk at Walmart, which is the reason the price of the keys duplicated in the kiosk varies from one another.
You can pay for key duplication at Walmart using your credit card, debit card, or cash. All variations of Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards are accepted for payment at the Minute Key kiosks.
Moreover, it is important to note that currently, Walmart does not charge a fee to customers who use the minute key kiosks. The money charged to make a duplicate key goes to Minute Key.
Note:Â Minute key, the company that partnered with Walmart to make duplicate keys, stated that there is no change given back to customers when they pay for the service using cash.
What if I Can’t Use the Self-service Minute Key Machines in Cutting My Key?
The machines are quite easy to handle even if you do not have prior experience in using them.
So, you will just have to follow these basic instructions;
- Pick your key type and design.
- Insect your key
- Choose the cut you prefer
- Select the start button
- The machine produces a copy of your key and you are done with it.
However, if you still feel you need assistance in duplicating your key, you can reach out to a Walmart customer care representative or staff to help you through the process.
Does Walmart Copy all Keys?
Not all keys can be duplicated at Walmart using the minute key kiosk. The minute key kiosk can only make duplicates of home and office keys.
Every key has its own unique characteristics and security details, so not all keys can be duplicated, for example, the machine cannot cut car keys, high security keys.
School building keys, or other restricted keys marked “Do not Duplicate”.
You can as well duplicate some car keys. Although, only a few Minute key kiosks offer that, and not all car keys can be duplicated at the kiosks. Minute Key car key duplication services cover compacts to SUVs, made in any hemisphere. All that is required of you is to identify your car model, and then, you are good to go.
Some of the key types that can be copied at Walmart Minute key kiosks include:
- Kwikset
- KW1 and KW10 Schlage
- SC1 Weiser
- WR3 and WR5 (in some areas)
Other keys that may be made less commonly are;
- Baldwin
- Titan
- Clones of all the key types mentioned above.
- Padlock key and Master Lock M1 (on a few machines).
Note:
- The functionality of the machine in Minute key kiosks may differ from one another; some are more advanced than others.
- You do not need to know your key type before you can duplicate your keys at Walmart. The Minute Key machine automatically identifies your key type and duplicates it if it is not prohibited.
- Car keys that require programming or high technology can not be done in the self-service kiosks. You will have to contact the Minute Key company for that.
What If I Lost My Original Keys?
Walmart only makes copies of keys from the original ones. So, if you have lost your original key, Walmart cannot help you.
But there are several options you can opt for;
- Reach out to a locksmith. A locksmith can help make you a new key by decoding your lock. It is a more tactical job and incurs more fees.
- Buy and Replace lock. It would be advisable to buy a new lock if you have lost your original keys. It gives you a brand new set of keys and you can quickly make copies of them.
- Bring your Lock to the Locksmith. If you do not have the call out fee, you could take out your lock and bring it to a locksmith.
What Type of Keys Are Not Made At Walmart?
Walmart does not make car keys, specialty keys, or master keys.
As previously mentioned, not all keys can be duplicated at Walmart. High-tech or programmed keys can not be duplicated at the self-service kiosks. Only the Minute Key company will help you with that.
Also, restricted keys can not be duplicated. Keys that are marked Do Not Duplicate or Do Not Copy are not available for duplication at Walmart.
Likewise, keys that have computerized microchips embedded in them cannot be copied, you will need to contact special services centers that deal with retrieval of computerized keys.
Also, if it is a car key, you will need a car dealership agent for retrieval.
Keys to access school buildings, prisons, banks, and other high-security public institutions can not be duplicated as well unless the request for duplication was made officially by the management of the concerned institution.
Where In Walmart Are Keys Made?
Keys are duplicated in Walmart in lemon or green kiosks on one side of the stores. The kiosks have a minute key placard pointing out above them to show they are there.
Also, the kiosks where keys are duplicated have markings of Minute Key on them. So they are easily identifiable.
Not all Walmart stores have Minute Key kiosks. You can use the Walmart store finder guide to know the Walmart stores that have Minute Key Kiosks in them. This will save you time, money, and energy as well.
If you find it hard to locate the Minute Key kiosks in the confirmed Walmart store near you, you should proceed to the customer service desk to ask for directions or use the Walmart Store Assistant; you can find the guide in the linked article above as well.
How Do I Make Keys at Walmart?
Walmart does not offer key making services. However, you can find key cutting services at most hardware stores, locksmiths, or home improvement stores.
Making keys is easy using the Minute Key kiosks. Place your key in the machine, pick the design you want and the number of key copies you would like.
The machine will do the rest of the work. Also, your payment method will be required before the machine proceeds to duplicate the keys.
How Long Does It Take To Make Keys At Walmart?
If you want to duplicate or make keys at Walmart, it takes less than 2 minutes before you get your duplicated key.
The only reason you might take longer is if you meet other people in the queue who want to make keys as well. You should not spend beyond 15 minutes in the queue unless it is a long one.
Also, note that you can duplicate your key as long as the Walmart stores are open till the closing hours at Walmart.
What Happens If The Machine Rejects Your Key?
The machine does not reject keys unless in two (2) cases;
- The first one is if the key was not properly placed when inserting it into the machine, the machine will reject it. Always follow the directions on the kiosk.
- The second reason the machine may reject the key after it has been properly placed is that the key is unable to be duplicated by the Minute key kiosk.
Can I Return A Duplicated Key At Walmart?
The Minute Key machine that duplicates keys is more accurate than most hardware stores.
It makes an almost perfect duplicate of your key through the use of computer technology. The laser tracking equipped in the machine produces precision copies that work accurately with the lock.
Minute Key company in partnership with Walmart offers a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on any key duplicated or copied using their self-service kiosks.
However, customers that feel the duplicated key is not working, which is rare, or are not satisfied with their purchase at the self-service kiosks are urged to fill out the Customer Service form within 30 days of key duplication purchase to request a refund.
You can contact their customer service on this toll-free number as well (800) 539-7571.
Why You Need to Make a Copy of your Original Keys
Making key copies is very necessary if you need to avoid future inconveniences like;
- Losing your original key and getting locked out.
- Lockout can be quite expensive.
- Helps you give other close family and friends access to your home without giving out your original key.
- Saves you the inconveniences of calling a locksmith to help change your locks.
- It’s cheaper to make a copy of your key than changing locks.
- Helps you hide a spare key somewhere in cases of an emergency.
Note
Making copies of your keys doesn’t necessarily mean you may likely lose your key, but it helps in a period of emergency where you will need to give someone access into your home if you are trapped in or in any form of trouble and you can’t get out on your own.
Why Choose Walmart to Copy my Keys?
Walmart is one store that guarantees you 98% customer satisfaction. Walmart is out to serve its customers in the best way possible.
Here are some reasons to copy your keys at Walmart Minute Key Kiosk;
- Walmart won’t make additional copies of your keys to someone else.
- Walmart offers you a cheaper rate for making key copies.
- Walmart employs the services of a locksmith to ensure that an expert handles making key copies for you.
- Walmart minute key kiosk offers you a self-service chance to choose your key type and make copies of your keys yourself.
- Copying your key at Walmart serves time and is quite convenient because you are offered self-service.
- You can trust Walmart to deliver a more quality job because of its expert touch.
Conclusion
Walmart does copy keys. The only key Walmart does not copy are high security keys that are inscribed “do not copy or do not duplicate”.
Although you could also get a to copy “do not copy key” by visiting places that offer those specific service like “special services centers” or “car dealerships”
Also, Walmart makes it easy and quick to copy keys by providing a minute key kiosk that helps customers perform a self-service of copying their keys based on their own preferences.
But if your key is not compatible with the minutekey machine at Walmart, you could opt for a locksmith
Walmart guarantees that your new key copies will work just as the original ones.
