dumb question

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 8:14 pm

I want to get a copy of a key made. I walked to Wal-Mart to do it, and once I got there I realized I don't know where to go. I asked an associate, but she didn't know either. Where in the store should I go?

cowtime · Post by **cowtime** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 8:16 pm

...ask in customer service?

(I've always had keys made at the local builder's supply or feed store)

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 8:17 pm

cowtime wrote:...ask in customer service?

(I've always had keys made at the local builder's supply or feed store)

They're closed. I'll just go back tomorrow and ask, I guess.

I can't get to the builder's supply store without a car, unfortunately.

anniemcu · Post by **anniemcu** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 8:47 pm

In our W-M, the keys are made in the Auto Service Department. If yours is a smaller one, though, it will probably be in the sporting goods department.

A hardware store will probably be able to do it... or an auto parts store.
Good luck!

Wanderer · Post by **Wanderer** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 8:58 pm

anniemcu wrote:In our W-M, the keys are made in the Auto Service Department. If yours is a smaller one, though, it will probably be in the sporting goods department.

A hardware store will probably be able to do it... or an auto parts store.
Good luck!

Auto and Sporting goods are usually right next to each other in the Walmarts around here. I've always had keys made in the auto department.

anniemcu · Post by **anniemcu** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 9:17 pm

Wanderer wrote:
anniemcu wrote:In our W-M, the keys are made in the Auto Service Department. If yours is a smaller one, though, it will probably be in the sporting goods department.

A hardware store will probably be able to do it... or an auto parts store.
Good luck!
Auto and Sporting goods are usually right next to each other in the Walmarts around here. I've always had keys made in the auto department.

Before ours became a grand behemoth, it didn't have an auto dept., so it was to the sporting goods for them... now it's about 20 feet away to the auto section.

Lambchop · Post by **Lambchop** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 9:54 pm

I have a sure-fire method for these cases . . . after narrowing down the field into the areas where keys would likely be found . . . it's more likely to be a hardware-home-automotive-sporting goods-lawn-and-garden area than ladies' underpants . . . I roam around until I smell metal shavings.

The keys are invariably behind a counter, near a cash register, close by there.

Of course, it usually doesn't come to that. Starting with the Greeter at the front door, associates will clamor for the opportunity to lead me to whatever it is I'm seeking. I have no idea what spurs them to do this, but it's a fine service!

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Sat Aug 18, 2007 10:09 pm

Here, it's in the Automotive dept.

There are also private locksmiths in the yellow pages that are available 24/7 if you absolutely need keywork or lockwork done immediately.

--James

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 9:13 am

Thanks everybody. It was in the auto section after all.

Lambchop · Post by **Lambchop** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:17 pm

I'm glad you found it, Cran.

Did you notice how much that area smelled like metal shavings? And machine oil? A dead giveaway!

ketida · Post by **ketida** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:09 pm

It's my experience that some key-copiers are better than others. I've had copies made that just would not work, at all. I think it takes a certain amount of expertise with the copy machine.

I've not tried Wally's or other such behemoths but stuck to the one local (very small and unfortunately about to close) hardware store where I know the new key copy will work.

I'd suggest you keep your receipt until you're sure your new key works.

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:39 pm

Thanks.

emmline · Post by **emmline** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:42 pm

ketida wrote:It's my experience that some key-copiers are better than others. I've had copies made that just would not work, at all. I think it takes a certain amount of expertise with the copy machine.

Experience helps. And the type of key matters. Kwiksets almost anyone can do. Schlages are fairly easy. Slightly off door keys can often be made to work not quite inserting all the way into the lock. It gets trickier when you get those double-sided car keys. Often one side works even if the other doesn't, but you've got twice as many chances to screw up, and less for the clamp to get a bite of when you're cutting.

Annoyingly (afaik,) most modern cars come with keys that can't be cut in the hardware store. They're either computer cut, or have to have special blanks with chips. This becomes a problem when you have a spouse who tends to lose things.

Jack · Post by **Jack** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:55 pm

emmline wrote:Annoyingly (afaik,) most modern cars come with keys that can't be cut in the hardware store. They're either computer cut, or have to have special blanks with chips. This becomes a problem when you have a spouse who tends to lose things.

I'm not married (it's illegal) and I don't have a car (I can't drive). The key went to a door. Thanks though. I got the key made and I've kept the receipt.

emmline · Post by **emmline** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 8:11 pm

Cranberry wrote: Thanks though. I got the key made and I've kept the receipt.

No prob. Glad you got it. I'm just riffing on the key theme. You know how these threads go.