I learned an important rekeying lesson today

[gotta]

Early in my career, I'd try to save the keys and old cylinders for the customers believing that was the best service I could offer. I realized quickly that it wasn't worth the call backs and it was much better cutting a new original key and making new duplicates. When locks are worn out, they're worn out. I also began not duplicating keys so worn or miscut that I knew they wouldn't work. With a little conversation, it would come out that they'd hit all the hardware stores and I was their "last resort". I've tried to be their "first resort", knowing I won't take quick rememdies such as plug filing or shimming up worn keys in the duplicator. I charge more more my duplicates than others in town, and charge for time spent solving their problems. I'd have to say that one of the most common mistakes for locksmiths starting out is undercharging. People going to a locksmith expect a certain level of expertise. Learn how to provide it by not taking shortcuts.

[raimundo]

the old keys were probably not all working right anyway, their owners knew to jiggle them. I doubt they were all copies off an original. some were copies of copies, by the third generation of copies of worn keys things drift away from the shore. People move in, the landlord gives them a copy of the original, if hes smart. then they have a copy made (3rd gen)and lose the copy of the first generation, so the wife makes a copy of the husbands copy. Etc.
Next time, tell the client that if he dosent want to change the lock completely there will be key that don't fit. Tell him that you will cut the keys for the usual price when these keys are brought in. wanting a new lock and being too cheap to get all new keys is just a problem client who will make you do a lot of extra work for free. Alternatively, ask to see the original that he makes copies of. If he dosent know what an original is, houston, we have a problem.