15 Of The Most Popular Car Key Cut Bloggers You Should Follow How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major inconvenience, because you're unable access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating an original key onto the blank key by using a special 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 that you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the identical design as your current key, but they also can make copies of more complicated keys like car or home security keys.

The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

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

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques


Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used to gain access to your home, car, or other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is the same size and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.

great post to read is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in certain places. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. However it cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for those planning to launch an operation that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can access it in the case of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making a replacement car key however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can make laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at the dealership.