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How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.

Key cutting is a process that involves replicating an original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of form and function and makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe location if someone is locked out.

To duplicate a key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is the same dimensions and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to fit into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for an expert.

Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys, which is employed in specific places. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.

Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service cannot create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

places to get keys cut near me of key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for those looking to start a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

When you choose to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't created properly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working.


Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, model, and model and use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed and at a fraction as much as you would pay at a dealer.

Member since: Monday, October 14, 2024

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