4 Dirty Little Secrets About Car Key Cut Industry Car Key Cut Industry How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some time. This could be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to access your vehicle or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more practical.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating an original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks usually use keys with the identical design as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more intricate keys such as car or home security keys.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional help when you need one. You should not 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 is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services as they will be able to assist in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

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 if someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location because it allows them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional could 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 it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.


Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.

A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that affect a person's choice include the type of key they need as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the outline of a key to create a new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a laser 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 databases.

There are a few tools that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.

go!! , an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. key cutting services near me can be equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the situation of a lockout.

If you're considering having your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will help you save money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys 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 can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at an auto dealer.