7 Things About Car Keys Cutting You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

· 6 min read
7 Things About Car Keys Cutting You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Car Keys Cutting

Car keys cutting is a service that gives car owners a spare key in the event of a damaged or lost original. It requires special equipment and several different key types.

Knowing about the different types of keys cutting techniques, key types, and pricing can help you make an informed decision when choosing the best provider for car keys cutting services.

Key Blanks

The first step in car key cutting is to select the appropriate key blank. Key blanks are available uncut or already cut. Pre-cut keys are typically priced higher because they are ready to use right away. However, they are also more accurate because a trained locksmith has already traced the contours of the current key onto the blank.


No matter what kind of key blank the locksmith will need to cut grooves and notches in it to ensure that it is compatible with different pins and wards in locks. The different shapes of grooves and notches are created using various methods, such as disk-type key cutting machines, pins or warding machines or simply using a file. Locksmiths can also use a rotary cut instead of pining or warding machines to create faster, more precise cuts.

The blank is then examined to ensure that all the bits fit properly. This is known as "biting" the key blank. The bow and shoulders of the key are shaped in order to determine if the key is able to be used with a lock and if it's the right size. The shape of the bow is often designed to help identify keys that can be duplicated.

The majority of residential key blanks are made of keys made of cylinders that have notches and grooves for various pin chambers. The Yale pin tumbler was invented more than 150 years ago and is currently the most popular. It provides much greater security than other locks of the past however, it requires a smaller key. Cylindrical keys are currently used in almost all locks manufactured that include high-quality padlocks, office supply locks, automobile and door locks.

Certain key blanks have distinct imprints that are used to deter duplicates. For example keys with a keyring stamp or "Do not duplicate". Locksmiths require a special license to distribute certain keys that are protected from unauthorised duplication.  get keys cut  are restricted and cannot be sold.

Key Cutting Machines

If you're a locksmith and you need to have the right key cutting machine is essential. These machines allow you to cut duplicate keys for your customers, offering them a convenient and fast service. A key cutting machine uses a stylus to trace out the form of an existing key, and then cuts it using a blade to make an identical key. The tools are able to cut various key kinds, including house keys car locks, skeleton keys, and Yale locks.

The top key cutting machine will come with multiple attachments that can accommodate various key types and cuts. This will let you provide a variety of options to your customers and save money on replacement keys. The rotary key cutter, that is capable of cutting the majority of keys is the most commonly used key cutting machine. A rotary cutter is a tool that has two blades rotating to cut both sides of a key at the same time. It's a highly efficient and cost-effective tool.

There are also electronic key cutting machines that use computers to guide the user through the procedure. These devices are great for auto locksmiths who want to streamline their operations and eliminate the need to manually enter key code numbers. They are also more durable than their manual counterparts and can be updated with software updates as they become available.

A key-cutting machine can be programmed to duplicate keys on specific automobile models. It does this by connecting the machine to an online database that contains all the information necessary for creating a duplicate. This information is stored within the operating system of the machine, and is able to create all the cuts required for a certain model of vehicle within minutes.

A key cutting machine is available as a standalone device, or it can be integrated into an app on mobile that makes it simpler to use. For example, the Futura Pro Auto is an electronic key cutting machine that comes with a tablet that offers step-by-step instructions. The tablet can be connected to or connected to the machine via Wi-Fi. This feature makes it easier to learn how to operate the machine, and allows the user to add new keycuts without needing to replace the jaw assembly.

Key Fobs

Many modern cars require key fobs in order to lock and unlock the doors or to start the engine. Key fobs can be equipped with buttons that allow the owner to access the trunk remotely or even the windows.

The majority of modern car keys are equipped with an RFID transponder that reads the codes stored in it, which allows the vehicle to identify and communicate with the key fob. The key fob transmits radio signals to the receiver inside of the car, and it uses the combination of rolling codes and encryption to block unauthorised access.

The computer in the car then looks at the signal from the key fob to determine whether the codes match and if they do, the car will then be able to unlock or start the engine. This is why it's crucial for drivers to keep their key fobs in good condition.

If you're a driver and require a spare key cut, you'll need bring your vehicle's fob to the shop to ensure it's properly programmed. The shop must follow the manufacturer's instructions for programming, which may comprise a specific sequence of button presses as well as a the number of turns on the ignition. These instructions are available in the owner's manual of the car or on the website of the automaker and must be followed exactly in order to avoid any errors that could cause the key fob not being able to unlock or start the vehicle.

Some manufacturers provide specialized key fobs that include additional features, such as keyless entry, start by pressing a button, as well as the ability "summon" your vehicle from a parking space similar to Tesla’s summon feature. These are typically slightly more expensive than the standard versions however, their additional features might be worth it to certain drivers.

If you require a new key fob the best thing you can do is obtain it from your dealer. A majority of the newer cars come with fobs that must be programmed in order to work with the car. This requires a level of expertise and equipment most dealers and locksmiths do not have. Before purchasing a fob from a dealer, verify your car's warranty and insurance policies to determine if they cover the cost of replacing a fob.

Key Programming

The art of cutting keys for cars is more than simply bent pieces. It is a service which assures the safety, function and peace-of-mind of car owners. Whether you're making an extra or replace a damaged one, the process is complex and requires knowledge, skill and the proper equipment. You must understand how it works in order to choose the best locksmith for the job.

There are many various kinds of keys for cars, from traditional steel blanks to key fobs. Modern keys are equipped with the transponder or remote-control chip that communicates with the vehicle whenever it's used. Auto locksmiths can also help to program these keys. These are specialized devices that can read the code from the chip, and then transmit it to the vehicle. The vehicle will accept it as a valid digital signature. This is similar to how credit cards work and allows you to start your car.

A basic metal key can be cut by your local locksmith or hardware store. Key fobs that are more recent, however, are more complex and require special software to program. Because of this, they're less likely to get copied at your local Home Depot or other hardware stores, and should be done by an automotive locksmith or dealership parts department.

Special tools allow dealers to read the ID code of your key directly from the ignition module. They can also get the PIN code (depending on the make) from the modules. The dealer can use this information to create a replacement key. This is a more complicated method but it can save you money.

Many locksmiths are experts in a specific car model and have the tools and technology to perform the job properly. They can also provide you with an entry code for your key to get your new key working in the shortest time possible. This is a great way to avoid having to pay the full price of a replacement and it's also much quicker than waiting for the car manufacturer to process your request.