Car Keys Cutting

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

When selecting a service company to cut your car keys, it is important to know the key types cutting techniques, methods of cutting, and pricing.

Key Blanks

The first step in car keys cutting is choosing the right key blank. Key blanks can be purchased uncut or already cut. Pre-cut keys are generally priced higher because they are ready to use right away. They are more precise, however, because a locksmith has already traced the existing key onto the blank.

No matter what kind of key blank, a locksmith will still need to cut grooves and notches into it to make sure that it matches with various pins and wards in locks. The different shapes of the notches and grooves can be created using a variety of methods, such as disk-type key cutting machines, pinning or warding equipment, or using a file. Locksmiths can also use the rotary cut in place of a pining or warding machine to make quicker and more precise cuts.

The blank will then be checked to ensure that all the bits are positioned perfectly. This is called "biting" a blank key. The bow and shoulders of the key are designed to determine if the key can be used with a lock and if it is the correct size. The shape of the bow is often engraved to help identify keys that can be duplicated.

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

Certain key blanks are stamped with different imprints to stop duplicates like keys with a key ring, or "Do not duplicate" stamp. Some keys are also protected from unauthorised duplication by a registered or patent design and require special licensing by locksmiths in order to distribute keys. Some keys are restricted and are not sold.

Key Cutting Machines

If you're a locksmith, having the correct key cutting machine is crucial. These machines enable you to quickly and conveniently cut duplicate keys for customers. The key cutting machine uses an instrument to trace a key's outline, and then cuts the key with a knife. The tools are used to cut many different types of keys such as house keys, car keys as well as skeleton keys and Yale locks.

The best key cutting equipment will come with multiple attachments that can accommodate various key types and cuts. This allows you to provide an array of services to your customers, and will save you time and money on replacement keys. A key cutter rotary is one of the most common type of key cutting machines since it's able to produce most types of keys. A Rotary cutter is a device that has two rotating blades to cut both sides of a key simultaneously. It's an efficient and cost-effective tool.

Electric key cutting machines can also be controlled by computers. These machines are a great option for auto locksmiths who want to streamline their business and eliminate the need to input manually key codes. They're also more durable than their manual counterparts and are able to be updated with software updates as they become available.

A key-cutting machine is programmed to duplicate keys on specific vehicle models. It does this by linking the machine to an online database that contains all the information required to create a duplicate. The information is stored in the machine's operating system, and the system is able to cut all of the required cuts for a particular model of vehicle in a matter of minutes.

Key cutting devices can be purchased as a separate device or integrated into an application for mobile devices which makes it easier for the user to use. Futura Pro Auto, for instance is an electronic key cutting machine which comes with its own tablet that offers step-by-step instructions. The tablet can be tethered or paired with the machine via Wi-Fi. This feature makes it easier to learn how to operate the machine, and allows the operator the ability to create new keycuts without needing to replace the jaw assembly.

Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles require key fobs in order to lock and unlock the doors, or to start the engine. Often, the key fob may also contain buttons that allow owners to remotely open the trunk or even open the windows.

The majority of modern car keys come with an RFID transponder that can read the codes that are stored within the. This allows the car to recognize and communicate with the key fob. The key fob broadcasts radio signals to the receiver inside the car, which utilizes an array 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 is then able to unlock or start the engine. This is why it's important for drivers to keep their key fobs in good working order.

You'll have to bring the fob of your vehicle to the shop to make sure that it is properly programmed. The shop should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for programming, which may comprise a specific sequence of button presses as well as a the number of turns on the ignition. These instructions can be found in the owner's manual for the car or on the automaker's website. They should be followed to the letter to avoid any errors.

In addition to a basic key fob, some manufacturers also have specific models with additional features like keyless entry, push-button starting, and the possibility to "summon" a car from a parking lot similar to Tesla's summon feature. These are typically slightly more expensive than standard ones however their added functionality might be worth it to certain drivers.


If you require a new key fob, it is recommended to purchase one from a dealer when you can. A majority of the newer models have fobs that must be programmed to work with the vehicle and requires a certain level of expertise and equipment that most dealers and locksmiths do not have. Make sure to check your car's warranty or insurance policy to determine whether it covers the cost of a new fob before you purchase one from an individual dealer.

Key Programming

The art of cutting key s is more than simply bending a piece. It is a service which guarantees the safety, efficiency and peace of mind of car owners. Whether you're making a spare or needing to replace a damaged one, the process is complex and requires knowledge, skill and the appropriate equipment. You need to understand how it works to select the right locksmith for the job.

There are a variety of car keys, from the traditional steel blanks to the key fobs. The majority of modern keys come with an electronic transponder, also known as a remote-control chip that communicates with the vehicle when it's used. The keys also have to be programmed, and that is the place where an auto locksmith can assist. These are specially-designed devices that can read the code on the chip and then send it to the vehicle. The vehicle will accept it as an acceptable digital signature. This is similar to the way credit cards work and allows you to begin your car.

Most of the time, a simple metal key can be cut by a locksmith at your local hardware store. However, the latest key fobs are more complex and require a particular kind of software to be programmed. They are more likely to be duplicated at Home Depot or other hardware shops and should only be handled by an automotive parts department or locksmith.

The dealer can identify your key's ID directly from the ignition cylinder by using specific tools, and they can also take the PIN code from the modules (depending on the make). This information can be used to program the new key. This is a more difficult method, but it can help you save money.

A lot of locksmiths are trained to work on specific car models and have the right technology and software to perform the job right. They can also provide you with the key programming code needed to make your new key functional 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.