25 Surprising Facts About Car Key Cut How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is a process that involves copying an original key on the blank key using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks use a blank key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.

When you need an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick method of getting one. However it is recommended to consult a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and. In addition, spare keys can be used when someone is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location because it allows them to gain access without the need for a locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical to its size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys that is used in certain places. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the right dimensions, a laser 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.

Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they need and whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch 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 also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.


A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper 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. 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. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It also comes with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are lost or taken. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you have something to go to in case you find yourself in a pinch.

If you decide to have your car key cut it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require will help you save money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it can be risky when the key isn't created properly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. automobile keys made near me have a broad selection of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would spend at a dealership.