10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Car Key Cut

· 6 min read
10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one.  key cut G28 Car Keys  is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major hassle as you are unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating 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 which makes it impossible for anyone else to access your home using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as home security or car keys.

The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.


Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that must be programmed to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.

When you need a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they will be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different popular 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 be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert 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 down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.

Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the size and style of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automated machine, and the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are a few tools which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually, 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 designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine 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 wide range of keys including dimple keys. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

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

If you decide to have your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will save you money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but can be risky when the key isn't made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than regular keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if required, and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at the dealer.