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"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to get into your car or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive process.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks typically use keys with the same design as your existing key, but they can also cut copies of more intricate keys like keys for home or car security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. key cutting open now is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services as they can 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 can protect original keys and reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To make a duplicate key, a professional can choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is identical in size and shape to the original.


A pattern grinder is another common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a few tools which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are a great 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. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It also comes with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of a lockout.

It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can cut laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way and still function. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a variety of transponder key options so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even help you program it to your vehicle if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at the dealership.

Website: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/nissan-car-key-replacements-near-me/