Does Home Depot Make Keys? (Yes! Cost, Types & Times)

Home Depot offers key cutting through both self-service Minute Key kiosks and manual in-store machines. Neither option requires experience, and both are reasonably priced.

But they don’t make every kind of key. As always, there are some fine details to know.

So in this guide, you’ll learn how to make keys at Home Depot, what types they can copy, how much it costs, and how it compares to other options, so you’re fully prepared before heading to the store.

Does Home Depot Make keys?

Yes, Home Depot does make keys. Here’s everything you need to know at a glance.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Key at Home Depot?

Getting a key copied at Home Depot is not that expensive.

For most keys, Home Depot charges between $1.50 and $6.00 per key. But the final price depends on the kind of key.

For example, you will pay much less for duplicating a basic brass key. But for a key with a decorative design (like a sports team logo or cartoon character), you will pay more.

Now, if you are not afraid of using the employee-operated machine in the hardware department, you can make a copy of your key without paying a service fee. You basically buy a blank (between $2 and $15, depending on style, brand, etc.) key and use the machine to copy your key to it.

How to Get a Key Made at Home Depot

You have two easy options for getting your keys cut at The Home Depot.

Option 1: The Minute Key Self-Service Kiosk

The easiest way to have a key cut at Home Depot is to use the Minute Key kiosk, which is a self-service option. I have used it a few times when I needed to make duplicates of my keys.

These machines are automated. Basically, all you have to do is insert your blank key and push a few buttons.

Here’s how it works:

1. Press the “Start” button on the screen.
2. Put your original key into the slot.
3. Pick a key design from the options shown.
4. Then choose how many copies you want.
5. Pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash. (You can choose which payment option to use.)
6. The machine cuts your new key in about a minute.

And that’s it!

Just pick up your copy and don’t forget to take your original key also from the slot you put it into in the beginning.

By the way, remember that these Minute Key machines usually don’t give back change. So always make sure to put in the exact amount if you’re paying with cash. I made that mistake once and put in a $20 bill for two key copies that cost $6 total. Thankfully, one of the employees was nice enough to help me. They had to open the machine to give me my $14 back!

Option 2: Ask a Home Depot Employee

If you don’t feel comfortable using the machine, you can always ask an employee at the store to help you.

At some locations, Home Depot still has those old-school key-cutting machines. They’ve trained their employees to use them.

You can usually find those in the hardware aisle.

Just give your key to the employee and they’ll find the right blank and cut it for you instantly.

What Types of Keys Can Home Depot Copy?

Home Depot can copy a wide variety of common keys from major brands. This covers the vast majority of locks found in homes and offices.

They can typically copy:

• Standard house keys (Kwikset, Schlage, Yale, etc.)
• Most office keys
• Padlock keys (like Masterlock M1)
• Baldwin & Titan brand keys as well as compatible clones

If your key looks like a standard, everyday key, they can almost certainly make a copy.

What Keys Will Home Depot NOT Copy?

Ok, here is an important detail.

Although you can get many types of keys made at the self-service kiosks at Home Depot, for security and technical reasons, Home Depot won’t make these kinds of keys:

• Most car keys
• Keys that read “Do Not Copy” or “Do Not Duplicate.”
• Keys for schools
• Keys for public institutions
• Keys for high-security buildings
• Keys for other restricted properties

Does Home Depot copy car keys?

I mentioned above that Home Depot doesn’t copy car keys, but I wanted to go into a little more detail here.

Home Depot does not program chipped car keys or key fobs with RFID or transponder chips. This means that most car owners won’t be able to get a copy of their car keys made at Home Depot.

The only exception is if you have an older car, which has a metal car key, like for a Toyota or Honda, for example. If your local Home Depot still has some key blanks for them, then you should be able to copy these keys at the store.

If your car isn’t decades old, though, you won’t be able to get your car keys copied at Home Depot. If you need a car key replaced, try one of these cheap car key replacement options.

Which Home Depot Stores Have Minute Key Kiosks?

Home Depot provides key copying services at many of its stores through Minute Key kiosks. It’s pretty easy to find these kiosks. Simply look out for a bright green kiosk.

That said, not all store locations have a Minute Key machine.

If you don’t want to waste your time heading out to your local store only to find it doesn’t provide this machine, then you should search online for Home Depot Minute Key kiosks near you.

You have two ways to find them.

Option 1: Use the Minute Key Locator

Use Minute Key kiosk locator tool on their website. Just enter your ZIP code and it will show you a list of all the kiosks near you.

The only issue with this option is that the locator tool will find kiosks in a variety of stores, such as Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. This means that if it’s Home Depot specifically that you are looking for, you might have better luck with the next method.

Option 2: Search Google

Just type “Home Depot Minute Key kiosk near me” into Google to see which local stores have the machine.

Pros & Cons of Getting Keys Made at Home Depot

Pros:

• Affordable key copies
• Fast & easy kiosk access
• Many locations
• Open long hours

Cons:

• No chipped car key duplication
• Not all stores have kiosks
• No change given for cash payments at kiosks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about getting keys made at the Home Depot.

Does Home Depot make car keys?

No, Home Depot does not copy modern car keys that have a transponder chip. For that, you’ll need to visit a dealership or an automotive locksmith.

How long does it take to copy a key?

It’s very fast! Using the Minute Key kiosk or the employee-operated machine usually takes between 1 and 5 minutes. Of course, it can take longer if there is a queue of people looking to cut keys before you.

What are the key copy hours at Home Depot?

You can use the Minute Key kiosks anytime the store is open. Most Home Depot stores are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (I think during winter they close at 9. At least that’s what I noticed with my Local Home Depot store.), but you should check your local store’s hours online.

Now if you are going to get a key cut by an employee, check to make sure there’s someone trained at the store during the time you plan to visit. You can always call ahead and ask.

Can I get keys made at Home Depot without the original?

No! You need the original key to make a copy.

Do Home Depot keys come with a warranty?

Home Depot itself doesn’t have one, but Minute Key gives a 100% satisfaction guarantee within 30 days. So if your key doesn’t work, take it back to the store and they’ll give you a full refund.

Can I copy a mailbox key or safe key at Home Depot?

It really depends on the key. Some mailbox and safe keys are restricted or you need special blanks to duplicate them. So it can be hit or miss. Your best bet is to ask your local store.

Other Places  that Make Keys Near Me

The Home Depot isn’t the only store where you can get keys made. So, if you don’t have a Home Depot store near you, or your local store doesn’t have a Minute Key self-service kiosk, you can try another local stores that copy keys.

Here’s a quick comparison table of some of the biggest stores that offer key making services:

So Should You Make Keys at Home Depot?

If you need a fast, affordable duplicate of a house or office key, Home Depot is a solid option, as I can personally vouch for it, having used it to duplicate my house keys.

Their Minute Key kiosks are easy to use and available at many locations. And if you don’t like that, an employee can make it for you using traditional key making machines.

So, the bottom line is that Home Depot makes keys quickly and cheaply, and it’s a great option for most of your key-copying needs.