What You Must Forget About Enhancing Your Car Key Cut

What You Must Forget About Enhancing Your Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is a method that involves replicating the original key onto a blank key, with a specially-designed machine.  simply click the next website page  is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like car keys or home security keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another option is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.

Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work and how accurate it is.


The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines will typically need a code 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 a database.

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

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than buying the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for those planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. 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 can also be fitted with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well being cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car key cut it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't made properly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if you require it, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealer.