A spare key is one of those small things that can save a lot of hassle later. Most people only think about getting an extra key cut when they have already lost one, snapped one, locked themselves out, or found themselves trying to organise access in a rush.
But having a spare key ready before you need it can save time, stress and unexpected cost.
Whether it is for your home, garage, shed, side gate, business premises or rental property, getting a spare key cut is a simple, practical job that can make everyday life much easier.
Why getting a spare key cut is a good idea
Keys are easy to misplace, damage or forget. They get left in coat pockets, bags, cars, offices, drawers and holiday luggage. They also wear down over time, especially if they are used every day.
A spare key gives you a backup plan.
Instead of waiting until there is a problem, you can have an extra key ready for the people and places that matter. It is a small bit of planning that can help you avoid bigger problems later.
1. A spare key for a family member
One of the most common reasons to get a spare key cut is to give one to a trusted family member.
This could be useful if:
Your children need to let themselves in after school.
An older parent or relative visits regularly.
Your partner needs an extra set for a different bag or vehicle.
A family member helps with pets, deliveries or emergencies.
For busy households, one key is rarely enough. Having a spare key for the right person means fewer rushed phone calls, fewer awkward arrangements and less chance of someone being locked out.
2. A spare key for a neighbour or emergency contact
Giving a spare key to a trusted neighbour or emergency contact can be incredibly useful.
If you are locked out, delayed, away from home or need someone to check the property, a spare key nearby can save a lot of stress. It can also be helpful if there is an urgent issue at home, such as a leak, power problem, alarm going off, or a pet needing attention.
Of course, it is important to choose someone you trust and to make sure the key is stored safely. But for many people, a spare key with a neighbour is a sensible safety net.
3. A spare key for a cleaner, dog walker or carer
If someone regularly needs access to your home, it can be much easier to give them their own key rather than trying to arrange access each time.
This may include:
A cleaner.
A dog walker.
A carer.
A babysitter.
A gardener.
A tradesperson you use regularly.
Having a spare key for trusted people who help around the home can make weekly routines smoother. It also avoids the risk of leaving keys under mats, plant pots or in other obvious places, which is never a good idea.
4. A spare key for a tenant or property manager
If you own or manage a rental property, spare keys are essential.
Tenants may need additional keys for other occupants. Landlords may need a spare for emergencies, maintenance access or property management. Letting agents and property managers may also need copies depending on the arrangement.
A spare key can help with:
New tenant move-ins.
Maintenance visits.
Emergency access.
Lost or damaged tenant keys.
End-of-tenancy checks.
Holiday lets and short-term rentals.
It is much easier to have spare keys organised in advance than to deal with access problems at the last minute.
5. A spare set kept safely at work
Some people like to keep a spare house key at work, especially if they commute regularly or have a secure place to store it.
This can be useful if you lose your main key during the day, leave it in another coat, or accidentally lock yourself out before or after work.
The important point is safety. Do not leave a key loose in a desk drawer or somewhere obvious. If you keep a spare key at work, make sure it is stored securely and not labelled with your address.
6. A spare key for a garden shed, garage or side gate
It is not just front door keys that are worth copying.
Garden sheds, garages, gates, outbuildings and storage units often rely on smaller keys that are easy to lose. These keys are also the ones people forget about until they urgently need access.
A spare key can be useful for:
Garden sheds.
Garages.
Side gates.
Padlocks.
Bike stores.
Toolboxes.
Roof boxes.
Cabinets or storage cupboards.
If you use a shed or garage to store tools, bikes, garden equipment or DIY materials, losing the only key can be a real nuisance. A spare key helps keep access simple.
7. Holiday cover while you are away
If you are going away, a spare key can make holiday cover much easier.
You may want someone to:
Feed pets.
Water plants.
Put bins out.
Check the post.
Open or close curtains.
Keep an eye on the property.
Deal with unexpected problems.
Rather than handing over your main key, it is often better to have a spare key cut specifically for holiday cover. When you return, you can collect it back and keep it safely for next time.
8. Replacing an old or bent key before it fails
Keys do not last forever.
Over time, they can become worn, bent, cracked or weakened. If your key is starting to stick in the lock, feel loose, look twisted, or need a bit of wiggling to work, it may be worth getting a new one cut before it fails completely.
A damaged key can eventually snap in the lock, which is far more frustrating than getting a spare cut in advance. If your key is already bent or badly worn, bring it in and ask for advice. In many cases, it is better to copy a key before it becomes too damaged to duplicate cleanly.
When should you get a spare key cut?
The best time to get a spare key cut is before you need one.
It is worth checking your keys if:
You have recently moved house.
A family member needs regular access.
You have taken on a cleaner, carer or dog walker.
You are going on holiday.
You rent out or manage a property.
Your key is old, bent or worn.
You only have one copy of an important key.
You have new locks, padlocks, sheds, gates or garages.
Getting a spare key cut is usually quick and straightforward, but it can save you from a much bigger inconvenience later.
Tips for keeping spare keys safe
A spare key is useful, but it needs to be handled sensibly.
Avoid hiding keys in obvious places such as under doormats, plant pots, bins or garden ornaments. These are the first places someone may look.
Instead, consider giving a spare to someone you trust, keeping one in a secure location, or storing it separately from anything that identifies your address.
It is also a good idea to avoid labelling keys with your full address. Use a simple code or description that only makes sense to you.
Can all keys be copied?
Many common household, shed, garage, gate and padlock keys can be copied. Some specialist or restricted keys may need extra checks, authorisation or may not be suitable for standard key cutting.
If you are not sure whether your key can be copied, bring it in and we can take a look.
Get a spare key cut before you need it
A spare key is a small thing that can make a big difference.
Whether you need one for a family member, neighbour, cleaner, tenant, shed, garage, work bag or emergency backup, it is worth sorting before there is a problem.
Pop into Collins Hardware and we can help you get the right spare key cut, quickly and conveniently.