The Reasons You Shouldn't Think About Improving Your Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against expensive replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to access your home or car. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like car keys or home security keys.

The latest technology for key replication utilizes 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 revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems or security 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 keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.


When you need a spare, key cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place since it will allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an impression. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is exactly the same in 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 on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to create the correct dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

car key cut cost cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types, but some factors that can affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require, whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from the database.

There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These are costly, however, they offer a wider variety of services.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for someone who wants to start a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to invest in an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a bind.

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even help you program it to your vehicle should you require it, for less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.

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Pub: 16 Mar 2024 14:11 UTC
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