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15 Trends To Watch In The New Year Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

The cutting of your car's key at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some point. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to get into your car or home. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more convenient.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of shape and function, making it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.

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

If you require a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they will be able to provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.

Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to insert 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 then pushes a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for an expert.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.


There are several machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer more services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and are a great option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but is risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. automotive key cutting near me are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at the dealership.

Website: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/arlesey-auto-locksmiths-near-me/