Notes

Car Key Cut: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your car or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of design and function, making it impossible for anyone else to access your property with an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees in just a few minutes. more.. make use of keys that have the same design as your existing key, however, they also can make copies of more complicated keys like keys for home or car security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.

locksmith key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they'll be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if one is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place because it allows them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain areas. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they need and whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order 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 tell them where to place the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a variety of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as well being cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear identical, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't created properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.


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

AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.

Website: https://click4r.com/posts/g/18268050/watch-out-how-car-key-cutter-is-taking-over-and-what-can-we-do-about