Car Key Cut 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known In The Past

· 6 min read
Car Key Cut 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known In The Past

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.


car key cutting and programming near me  and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, like car keys or home security keys.

The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when one is locked out of their home, car or other secure area as it can allow them to gain access without requiring the services of locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original that is identical in size and shape.

Another option is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they need, whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They can be expensive however they also enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for someone looking to start a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well for Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making keys for replacement however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop your key from working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you can be sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can even assist you to programme it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.