Ask Me Anything: 10 Responses To Your Questions About Car Key Cut How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker and less expensive process.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.

When you need a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they'll be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house, car, or 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, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another option is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either 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 newer method of cutting keys that is used in certain locations. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.

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 manual machine however, it could also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. key cutting for cars will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.


There are a few machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. right here can be expensive however they can allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen is removable and lets users access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that show its current status. 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 and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are much 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 means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you have something to turn to if you find yourself stuck.

If you decide to have your car key cut it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't created properly or the key is not of good quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop 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 fit into the lock cylinder in either way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you're sure 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.