Car Key Cut's History History Of Car Key Cut

Car Key Cut's History History Of Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a process that involves duplicating an original key onto a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, however, they also can make copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for home or car security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

automobile keys made near me , such as those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.

Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they'll be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To duplicate a key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.

Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed from the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in specific areas. Instead of grinding down keys to get the proper dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of tryout keys.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However it cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of types however, some elements that influence a person's choice are the type of key they require, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider range of services.

Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal.  look at this now  have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can use it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could 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 laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.


At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure to find the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it and at a fraction of price as you would at dealers.