This Week's Top Stories Concerning Car Key Cut How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some time. This could be a major inconvenience, because you're unable access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a quicker and less expensive process.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both 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 within a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use keys that have the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more complicated keys, such as car or home security keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

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

Key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional can choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. replacement car key cutting can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original identical to its size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert.


Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is used in certain places. Instead of grinding the keys to create the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.

Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they need, whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine but it can be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.

There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These are costly, however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are typically less expensive than buying individual tools and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well being cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

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

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires a 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 can be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can 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 the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive because they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction as much as you would pay at dealers.