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How To Beat Your Boss Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, causing you to be unable to get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, however, they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys, such as keys for your car or home security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.


Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.

Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an emergency 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 wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone is locked out.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This makes it easier to fit into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting key s that is used in a few places. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.

Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However, the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they need 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 tool they select will also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine, but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and could be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the case of a lockout.

If you decide to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing which service you need can save you money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at the dealership.

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