Why Nobody Cares About Car Key Cut How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of 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 the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property with an unauthentic.

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

The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires special equipment.

When you need an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick method of getting one. However, you should always consult an expert. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is another 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 allows you to insert 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 device forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.


A newer form of key cutting technique is being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. However key cut near me open now isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the size and type of the key, whether they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine however, it could also be done with a laser or code. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying tools on their own and can be a good option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It also comes with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well for Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

When you choose to have your car key cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method 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 of creating a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in stopping theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. our website have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car, if needed, and at a fraction of price as you would at dealers.