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7 Small Changes That Will Make A Big Difference In Your Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use keys that have the same design as your existing key, however, they also can make copies of more intricate keys such as keys for your car or home security.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.

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


Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they will be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

car key cutting near me Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many different types, but some factors that affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These tools can be costly, but they can also make it possible to offer more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and could be a good option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys.

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

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can use it in the situation of a lockout.

It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will save you money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at the dealership.

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