Forget Car Key Cutter: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It

· 6 min read
Forget Car Key Cutter: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It

Car Key Cutter Machines

The art of cutting car keys is more than just bent metal. It's a skill that provides safety, efficiency and comfort for car owners.

A key duplicator machine is used to cut standard keys. The original is positioned on one side, and a cutting tool is used to align it. A key guide keeps both keys even with each other when duplicating.

Machines

The machines used to cut keys assist in helping shape the blanks. The process is more than simply shaping a piece of metal, however; it also involves drawing the contours of the key blank and cutting it precisely to match the original key. A car key cutter is a vital piece of equipment for any locksmith who provides services.

A car key cutter uses an original key clamp as well as a cutting blade that is specialized to create duplicates. The original key is used as a template and the cutter is guided by a computer program that determines the cuts needed to produce the right shape. This guarantees that the new key will fit in the lock, and will function as it was intended. There are  their explanation  of key cutters for cars, such as automatic, manual, and semi-automatic. They are mostly constructed of sturdy materials and come with an opening lever that begins cutting.

Edge keys of this type are the most common kind of car keys. They are used to unlock doors, mailboxes and locks, and a number of auto's use them as well. Keys of this kind aren't as secure as transponder keys, however they provide adequate security and can be easily cut.

If you're in the market for a car key cutting machine, consider purchasing one that can handle both laser and edge cuts. They can be more expensive than other models, but they can offer more flexibility and higher performance. For instance, some of have a removable chip tray which can be used to clear up any debris left after each task. Some models have a USB connector that lets users upgrade the software and import code tables without removing the tablet.

In addition to being able to accommodate multiple types of key cuts a high-quality machine should have an integrated database that lets you search for your vehicle's model and keyway. This feature will save you time and effort by allowing you to avoid having to search for specific codes manually. This feature can also improve efficiency by preventing mistakes that could lead to the key not being aligned correctly.

Key Blanks

Key blanks are made of metal with grooves, notches, and other features that match up with different pins and wards that are found inside a lock. If they are cut by disk-type key cutting machines, pinning or warding machines or even by hand using a file, the end result is that they fit into a lock's keyway. Key blanks can be stamped with various imprints to discourage duplicate keys, like key rings as well as 'Do not duplicate' markings.

When creating a brand new car key, locksmiths must first determine the key blank type that will fit the particular lock. This can be done by comparing the blank to the existing key or by decoding cuts of the existing car key and matching it to the proper biting in the key cutting machine. Then the key blank will be cut to exact specifications of the original car key.

The part number of the key blank is a code that can identify the lock's manufacturer and allows locksmiths to find other blanks that could be used for duplication. The identification codes can also contain information about the transponder chip that is utilized in certain vehicles of the present. A key blank that has a GM code (B111PT) will have a transponder that is encrypted, whereas a blank with a Texas Instruments Fixed Code programmable Transponder will be a clonable.

Certain key blanks might not work with all locks. This is why locksmiths keep different types of keys in stock. Locksmiths who specialize in car key will need a transponder for automotive keys and a basic key for each make and model of car.

For a lot of vehicles, a replacement key is as simple as bringing the current working key to an AutoZone store. Then, a staff member will select the right key blank for the year, year of manufacture and model of the vehicle, and then trace it on the precise key cutting machine on site. The whole process generally takes just a few minutes and it works for both ignition and door key replacements. The only exception is if the key contains a transponder that must be programmed.

Pre-cut key stock

A key stock is a metallic wedge or block that fits between the shaft and hub of a pulley, gear or sprocket as well as any other rotating power device. It helps to provide driving torque and also prevents movement between the components. One part of the key fits into a precut slot in the shaft called a key seat and the other side is inserted into a groove inside the hub known as the keyway.

Typically key blanks are cut using a milling cutter to cut a keyway slot across the entire axial length of the component. The keyway can be made in different lengths, based on the purpose. Some types of key blanks have special characteristics like the radius edge or tapered design that helps reduce friction.

The majority of modern car keys come with transponder chips which need to be programmed for a particular vehicle. Keys that are programmed for specific vehicles are also referred to as laser or "laser-cut" keys. Laser-cut keys are harder to duplicate than traditional keys and feature an advanced design that improves their durability.

Laser cut keys are designed with a different blade shape than standard keys and have more than seven unique cutting styles. These advanced features make them more robust and less likely to break inside the lock cylinders of cars. They also reduce theft of cars by over 20 percent.

It's important to check where your key comes from when you buy an extra online. If it's not an authentic laser key, it could damage your car's locks and result in system failure. A knife of poor quality will wear out faster and could get stuck in the keyway cylinder faster than a premium quality blade.


Another type of key is a sidewinder that requires a high-tech laser cutting machine in order to produce. These machines are costly and require special expertise to operate, and are not readily available for general use. This makes the sidewinder key difficult to copy and more secure from theft. Buying a new sidewinder key online can be tricky since there are many websites that claim to sell keys. If you purchase from a trusted seller you can be sure that the spare key you receive is a genuine key with a top-quality blade.

Keyway Milling

Keyways are a standard feature in a range of components. Gears, pulleys, couplings and pump sleeves all need keyways to join the parts and form the strongest bond. There are many ways to cut keyways milling machines are usually preferred since they offer the most accurate and precise results. Keyway milling can be done on different kinds of machining equipment including EDM shaping, key seating machines.

Keyway milling is generally performed using a special milling cutter that has the correct cutter width and cutting diameter to suit the keyway. This milling cutter must also be able to stand up to the high level of accuracy required to process the keyway. It is true that keyway milling is more complex than traditional milling but it is also a highly efficient method of making.

The CLIMAX K3000 is a handheld tool that is capable of cutting round-ended and square-ended keyways. It can also be used on shafts that have different sizes. This machine lets you cut the full-depth keyway within less than four minutes. It has a clamping system that lets you place the workpiece into the milling vise with minimal effort. This machine is perfect for keyway cutting on large-scale industrial machines, shipbuilding and power generation applications.

Shaping is an approach to keyway cutting that can be more precise and accurate, but its precision and accuracy are limited. To ensure reliable and consistent results this method requires the expertise of the user. Moreover shaping can lead to rougher surface finishes than other methods.

Keyeating is an effective method to cut keys. However, it is more expensive than other methods. Keyeating is a continuous cutting action and therefore is more efficient than shaping and wire EDM. Keyeating is also a great option for machining tough or hard-to-machine material.

Car key cutters are flexible tools that can cut all kinds of key shapes and sizes. Some of these machines come with multiple jaws that can accommodate a range of different key designs, making it easy to cut all the different types of automotive keys that are available. The right machine can maximize your efficiency and productivity.