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What NOT To Do With The Car Key Cut Industry
How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. review of duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to access your car or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more practical.

Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of design and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the identical design as your current key, but they also can make copies of more intricate keys like car or home security keys.

The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing time and costs.

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

Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which can 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 or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.

To create a duplicate key, a professional can choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different 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 allows the key to fit into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in specific places. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many different types however, some elements that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they need as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done by hand 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 that tells them where to put the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.


There are a few tools that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can use it in the case of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will help you save money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making an extra car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but is risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specially designed. These machines can make a laser groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if needed, and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at the dealer.

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