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14 Savvy Ways To Spend Extra Car Key Cut Budget
How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. automotive key cutting near me of duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your home or car. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks use keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can help in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain access without the need for a locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.


Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.

Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work and how accurate it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These are costly, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than buying the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It also comes with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can use it in the case of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car key cut it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require can save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create an optical groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at stopping theft than normal keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if required, and at a fraction as price as you would at dealers.

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