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The Most Pervasive Problems In Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements.

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major inconvenience, because you're unable get into your car or home. Most people prefer to have additional 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 make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the identical design as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for your car or home security.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.

When you need a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place because it allows them to gain access without requiring the services of a locksmith.

To duplicate a key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This makes it easier to fit into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions the laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.

Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. However the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are car keys cut near me of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.

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

There are several machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they also enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately 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 has been designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can access it in the event of a lockout.

It's crucial to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need can save you money and time in the long run.


Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it is risky if the key isn't created properly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specially designed. These machines can cut an optical groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.

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