Car Keys Cutting

The cutting of car keys is designed to provide car owners with an extra key in case the original has been damaged or lost. It involves specialized equipment and various key types.

Understanding the various types of keys cutting techniques, key types, and pricing will help you make an informed decision when choosing a provider for cutting car keys.

Key Blanks

The first step in cutting car keys is to select the appropriate blank. Key blanks are available cut or already cut. Keys that are pre-cut are usually a bit more expensive because they are ready to use right away. cut key for car are more accurate however, since locksmiths have already traced the existing key onto the blank.

No matter what kind of key blank used, a locksmith will still require cutting grooves and notches into it to make sure that it matches with various pins and wards in locks. The various shapes of grooves and notches can be made by various methods, including disk-type keys cutting machines, pins or warding equipment, or using an file. A locksmith 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 are positioned properly. This is known as "biting" the blank key. The bow and shoulders of the key are also shaped to determine if the key can be turned in a lock and that it is the right size for the lock. The shape of the bow is often made to be engraved to make it easier to locate keys that can be duplicated.

Most key blanks for residential use consist of cylinder keys fitted with grooves and notches to accommodate different pin chambers. The Yale pin tumbler was developed more than 150 years ago and is now the most common. It provides much greater security than other locks of the day however it requires the use of a smaller key. Cylindrical key is now utilized by virtually all locks manufactured with high-quality padlocks, office supply locks, automobiles and door locks.

Certain key blanks are stamped with different imprints to discourage duplication such as a key ring or "Do not duplicate" stamp. Some keys are protected from duplication that is not authorized by a registered or patent design, and require a specific license by locksmiths in order to distribute them. Certain keys are restricted and cannot be sold.

Key Cutting Machines

If you're a locksmith, having the correct key cutting machine is crucial. These machines will enable you to quickly and easily cut duplicate keys for customers. The key cutting machine uses an stylus to trace a key's shape, then cuts the key with a blade. The tools are able to cut various key kinds, including house keys car locks, skeleton keys and Yale locks.

The best key cutting machine will come with multiple attachments that can accommodate various key types and cuts. This will let you provide a variety of services to customers and help you save money on new keys. A rotary key cutter is among the most common type of key cutting machines, as it's capable of producing all kinds of keys. A rotary key cutter has two blades rotating that can cut both sides of a key at once making it a powerful and cost-effective tool.

There are also electric key cutting machines that utilize a computer to guide the user through the procedure. These devices are great for auto locksmiths that want to streamline their operations and eliminate the need to manually enter key codes. They're also more durable than their manual counterparts, and can be updated with software updates as they become available.

Key-cutting machines can be programmed to duplicate keys on specific vehicle models. This is accomplished by connecting the machine to an online database that holds all the necessary information to make a duplicate. This information is stored in the operating system of the machine and can be used to cut all the necessary cuts for a particular model of vehicle in just a few minutes.

A key cutting device can be purchased as an individual device or integrated into an app for mobile that makes it simpler for users to use. For instance, the Futura Pro Auto is an electronic key cutting machine that comes with a dedicated tablet that offers step-by-step instructions. The tablet can be linked via Wi-Fi with the machine or can be connected directly. This feature makes it easy to learn how to use the machine and allows the operator to add new key cuts without having to replace the jaw assembly.

Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars require key fobs in order to lock and unlock the doors or to start the engine. Often times the key fob can also have buttons that permit owners to remotely open the trunk, or even open the windows.

The majority of modern car keys come with an RFID transponder that reads the codes that are 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 the car, which utilizes the combination of rolling codes and encryption to thwart the unauthorized access.

The car's computer will then check the signal from the fob to determine if the codes are the same. If they are, the car is able to unlock or start its engine. This is the reason it's so important for drivers to keep their key fobs in good condition.

You will have to bring the fob of your car to the shop to ensure that it is properly programmed. The shop must follow the instructions of the manufacturer for programming, which could include a particular sequence of button presses and number of key turns on the ignition. These instructions can be found in the car's owner's manual or on the website of the automaker, and they should be followed precisely to avoid any mistakes that could cause the key fob not being able unlock or start the vehicle.


Certain manufacturers offer special key fobs that come with additional features, such as keyless entry, start with a pressing a button, as well as the ability "summon" your car from a parking space like Tesla's summon feature. These types of fobs are typically priced higher than the standard models however, their additional features may be worth it to certain drivers.

If you require a new key fob, it's best to get one from the dealer whenever possible. A majority of the newer models come with fobs that need to be programmed to work with the vehicle and this requires a certain amount of expertise and equipment that most locksmiths and dealers don't have. Before purchasing a fob through a dealer, verify your car's basic warranty or insurance policies to see whether they cover the cost of a replacement.

Key Programming

The art of cutting keys is more than simply bending a piece. It's a service that ensures safety, efficiency and peace of mind for car owners. Whether you're making an extra or replace a damaged one the process is complicated and requires knowledge, skill and the appropriate equipment. This is why it is important to understand how it works so that you can select the right locksmith for the task.

There are a lot of different types of car keys, from traditional keys made of metal to key fobs. The majority of modern keys come with a transponder or remote-control chip that communicates with the vehicle when they are used. They also have to be programmed, and that is where an auto locksmith could help. These are specialized devices that can read the code from the chip, and then send it to the vehicle. The vehicle will recognize it as a valid digital signature. This is similar to the method used by credit cards and allows you to open your car.

Most of the time, a simple metal key can be cut by a locksmith or at a local hardware store. Newer key fobs, however, are more complex and require specialized software to program. They are less likely to be duplicated by Home Depot or other hardware shops and should be done by an automotive parts department or locksmith.

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

Many locksmiths are experts on a specific car model and have the right software and technology to do the job right. They can also give you a key programming codes to get your key working as fast as is possible. This is an excellent way to avoid paying the full price for replacement and to make your key work faster than waiting for the manufacturer to process the request.