15 Up-And-Coming Trends About Car Key Cut How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to access your vehicle or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.

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

In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.


Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.

When you need a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick method of getting one. However, you should always consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to your home, car, or other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could 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, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. car key cutting and programming can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys, which is employed in a few areas. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other kinds of tryout keys.

Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine however, it could also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are several machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They are expensive but can offer a greater variety of services.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your vehicle, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It is a good idea to have a spare key, so you have something to go to if you find yourself stuck.

If you decide to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require can save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly constructed or the key blank isn't of high-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 machine that is specially designed. These machines can make an optical groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you're sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would spend at a dealership.