Identifying your house key
Before having a spare made, you need to identify the type of key. Most front doors use one of these three main types:
| Key type | How to recognise it | Copying |
|---|---|---|
| Flat key (pin tumbler) | Thin, flat key with cuts on one or both sides. The most common type. | On site, at our workshop |
| Lever key (solid-shank bit key) | Thicker key with a wide bit; typical of older doors and cellars. | Workshop |
| Patented / security key | Brand marking (BKS, Vachette, ABUS, DOM…) and number; supplied with a key registration card. | On key registration card only |
Not sure which model you have? See our guide the different types of keys, or email a photo to clf@cleferm.fr.
Getting a spare house key made
A standard flat key is copied at our workshop. A lever key is cut to order. Bring the original key (or its number) and, if it is a security key, your key registration card. We copy keys from all the major brands: BKS, Vachette, ABUS, ISEO, Bricard and many more.
Patented keys and key registration cards
A patented (or security) key cannot be copied freely: copying is protected and only possible on presentation of the key registration card supplied when the cylinder was bought. It is strong protection against unauthorised copies. If you have lost your card, we can issue a certificate , depending on the brand.
Securing your door beyond the key
A key is only as secure as its cylinder. For a front door, choose a high-security cylinder (anti-pick, anti-drill, anti-bump), ideally certified A2P. Find out how to choose by security level, or see our cylinder buying guide. To operate several doors with a single key, consider amaster key system.
Need a spare key or some advice?
Our locksmiths identify your key and copy it, even if it is patented (with the key registration card). Workshop in Chatou.
Ask for advice →01 47 21 21 38