What The Heck What Exactly Is Car Key Cut? How to Get a Car Key Cut

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


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

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, causing you to be unable to access your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is faster and cheaper as well as more efficient.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in design and function, making it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks use an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.

The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can protect original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their home, car or other secure area since it will allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.

Another method is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed from the other end. This allows the key to fit into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.

A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they select will also influence 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 manually or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a variety of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater variety of services.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than buying individual tools separately, and can be an excellent investment for someone looking to start an operation that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. cut car key near me are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the case of an emergency lockout.

If you're considering having your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but can be risky when the key isn't made correctly 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 specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even assist you to programme it to your car in case you need to, at less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.