Notes

What The Heck What Is Car Key Cut?
How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some point. This could be a major inconvenience, because you're unable get into your vehicle or go to your home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating 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 where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same style as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more intricate keys, such as car or home security keys.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, like ones 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 that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.

When you need a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However, you should always consult an expert. car key cuts should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

To duplicate a key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the 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 various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.


Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in specific areas. Instead of grinding down keys to make the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that influence a person's decision include the type of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a few tools that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It is a good idea to have an extra key, so you have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money 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 the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of making a replacement car key however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can make laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a variety of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction of much as you would pay at dealers.

Website: https://informatic.wiki/wiki/5_Cost_Of_Car_Key_Cutting_Projects_That_Work_For_Any_Budget