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How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating an original key on the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of design and function and makes it impossible for someone else to access your property using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the identical design as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more elaborate keys like keys for your car or home security.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys, 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 that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.

Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a team of skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of an accident 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. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location as it can allow them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original identical in size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

auto key cutting machine www.g28carkeys.co.uk of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to create the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.

Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can 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 the new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a few machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly however they also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good option for those looking to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

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

If you decide to have your car key cut it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear identical, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need can help you save money and time in the long term.


Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but is risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specifically designed. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed and at a fraction of much as you would pay at dealers.

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