The 10 Most Scariest Things About Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your home or car. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in form and function, making it impossible for anyone else to access your property with a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for home or car security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These other components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equally, so look for a reputable company with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. 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 is a method of creation of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used when one is locked out of their car, home or any other secure location as it can allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used 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 the key easier to insert into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. the advantage are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a 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 system of a vehicle or locks. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are many different types and some of the factors that can affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require and whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to place the notches 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. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.


Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for someone planning to launch a business cutting 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 offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you're in a bind.

It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will help you save money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making a spare car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but is risky if the key isn't created properly or the key is not of good quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a variety of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction as price as you would at the dealer.

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Pub: 13 Mar 2024 05:23 UTC

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