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Why No One Cares About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to access your car or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.

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

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.

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

When you need a spare, key cutting is a quick and easy way to get one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone has locked themselves out.


A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original that is identical in size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different popular 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 makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. mobile car key cutting presses an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys, which is employed in a few areas. Instead of grinding keys to make the right dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a variety of types, but some factors that influence a person's decision include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. These tools can be costly however they also make it possible to offer more 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 usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. It also comes with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

If you're considering having your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need can save you money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making keys for replacement however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.

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