If your locksmith or retail business involves duplicating keys, then it's important to keep supplies for key machines on hand. Most providers of key machines or a manufacturer of key machines will have supplies available. If you've used key machines, you know how important many of these supplies are to keep your key duplicating machines running at all times.

From blank keys to wing nuts, you should keep an extensive inventory of supplies for key machines available to reduce the possibility of your key cutting machine being out of service at any time. So whether you're an old pro or you're just starting to look for key cutting machines for sale, consider the following about supplies for key machines:

1. Maintain a wide inventory of blank keys for your key machines;

2. Keep vital components of your key machines, such as cutting wheels and brushes, on hand;

3. Add extra parts to your list of supplies for key machines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stock plenty of the most important elements of your key machines

Of course, a key duplication machine is useless without blank keys to cut. Your customers will likely look to you to duplicate any kind of key, from motor vehicle keys to house keys, so your ability to respond to their needs will keep your business successful.

I recommend: The Key Store has not only a wide assortment of blank house, foreign and domestic car, commercial and padlock keys, it also offers key towers and display stands as well. See a list of common key blanks as well as reference books at Patt Corporation.

Make sure you'll never have down time for your key machines by keeping cutting wheels on hand

If you've ever used key machines, you know that wheel cutters and brushes are just as important as blank keys for your key duplication machines. These crucial parts do the cutting and cleaning of the duplicated keys. Having extra cutters and brushes will give you the ability to make a quick replacement so your key cutting machines can stay up and running.

I recommend: LockPicks.com has generic fine tooth and 45-degree cutters for sale. Find wheel cutters and wheel brushes for key cutting machines at CLK Supplies. MySecurityPro.com has deburring wheels and cutters for several models of key cutting machines.

Keep your key machines running by stocking needed parts

Once you have plenty of blank keys and cutters in stock, it's a good idea to keep some smaller parts around that you may need to replace. Small bearings, nuts, belts and knobs may eventually wear. Have these small parts available for a quick fix and limited time lost for your key cutting machines.

I recommend: Find a list of commonly replaced key machine parts such as guides, vise studs, bearings, wing nuts and more at Keymart. Download manuals, which include parts numbers for new and discontinued key machines, from Ilco.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Add key code cards and handy cross reference lists, which you can find on CD as well, to your inventory of supplies for key machines.

Key machines are used by construction companies, locksmiths and property owners. By purchasing a key duplication machine, you'll be able to give your customers the peace of mind of knowing that their property is locked securely. In turn, you'll save money on both theft losses and key cutting fees. Many used key machines are available to help you get started in this cost-saving venture at a lower cost.

When looking at various key cutting machines for sale, among the key points to consider are:

1. The availability of local providers of key machines;

2. The possibility of purchasing a used key machine;

3. The ability to choose a key cutting machine with high-end security features.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search first for local options for providers of key machines

In most areas, there isn't a plethora of companies that offer a key machine for sale. If you're lucky enough to have one, use it quickly to avoid having to pay shipping costs. But if not, there are many online options to purchase your new key machine.

I recommend: MySecurityPro features several key cutting machines for sale. Taylor Security & Lock also offers machines from arguably the best manufacturer of key machines, Ilco.

Find a provider of used key cutting machines

Key duplication machines are not inexpensive by any means. But you can save yourself quite a bit of money by purchasing a used key machine and then upgrading later if needed.

I recommend: Key Mart offers refurbished used key machines for sale.

Secure your client's property using one of the high-security key duplicating machines on the market

Occasionally, it's important to your client that the keys to their property be unavailable for duplication at just any key duplication shop. By purchasing a high-security key cutting machine, you can offer your clients a better product for the same price as they were expecting before.

I recommend: LockPicks offers a computerized code machine that will create security keys. CLK Supplies features a high-security machine that will handle all of your secure key needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can place the key cutting machine in a limited-access area, you can give your clients even more secure keys because there will be less likelihood of a rogue employee making keys without your knowledge.

There are many resources available if you are a locksmith in need of key machines education and training resources for your employees. In order for a business to be successful, you as a business owner should make training for key cutting machines a priority for your employees.

Training for new and used key machines can take many forms, from tutorials to videos. Additionally, ongoing training for key machines is necessary for many reasons:

1. If your employees are not skilled in using certain key cutting machines for sale, not only will keys be damaged, but so will your profits and reputation.

2. Key machines are continually improved, so you would do well to mandate ongoing training if you decide to upgrade your machines.

3. Your company will always stay current with up-to-date key machine tips and techniques.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out the training available for a key duplication machine before adding it to your program

It is imperative that you review training and educational resources first, then create a list of required training for your employees. Providers of key machines can be helpful resources also. This way you can make sure the training resources are reputable and relevant to the type of business you have.

I recommend: Locksmith Tool & Supply offers a wide range of training material for locksmiths. LockPicks.com presents a DVD that teaches how to code cut keys on a standard key machine using depth keys. This DVD also demonstrates how to decode old locks to determine the shape of the pre-existing key.

Mandate a continuing training policy for your key duplicating machines

Continued training for your employees does not have to be an expensive policy since there are many free resources available online. Valuable information can be found on manufacturer's websites, as well as DIY sites. The size of the resource is not as important as how valuable or helpful the techniques are.

I recommend: EHow features a basic step-by-step tutorial on how to use a key cutter. YouTube offers a variety of training videos, including how to cut cylinder keys on an Ilco Orion Compact 2000 key cutting machine. YouTube is always a good resource if you are looking for free training resources. Just make sure the video comes from a reputable source.

Stay abreast of the latest techniques in key machine techniques

If you want your business to compete in its industry, you need to stay current in your equipment, knowledge and skill. This means continually looking up relevant resources so you are familiar with every aspect of your business.

I recommend: Join an association like the Associated Locksmiths of America, which offers its members a variety of educational resources, including online training. The National Locksmith features training classes and conferences you employees can attend.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As your business grows, consider allocating the responsibility of researching training resources for key duplication machines to one person or department.