Whether you've lost your keys or want duplicate keys for backup, Key-cutting is one of the best solutions. A key-cutting machine is used for easy critical production quickly. Key-cutting technology is an excellent alternative to key duplication that only requires a little effort or money.
Even though the locksmith industry is developing and there are modernized methods of making keys, key copy machines are still often used.
In this guide, we'll explain everything from why key cutting is important and different types of key-cutting machines to the time and cost of cutting your keys.
What is a Key Cutting Machine?
A key-cutting machine is a type that locksmiths generally use to create new keys or duplicates of existing ones. They are typically found in hardware stores, locksmith shops, and large retail stores. Key cutting is one of the most popular methods used for making keys. It can be done by duplicating an existing car or house key or creating a new one altogether.
Why is Key Cutting Important?
Key-cutting services may be required for several reasons including:
Back-Up Keys
We’re all human; sometimes, we can be careless and lose the keys to our homes, cars, safes, and doors. Imagine you’re returning from work only to realize your keys aren’t with you. You can’t remember where or how you lost them. What follows are moments of pure panic and helplessness.
To prevent that, it’s always wise to make backup spare keys using a key-cutting Machine. Spare keys can come in handy during such situations, provided that you keep them safe and protected and not in common spots such as under the mat or a flowerpot, where burglars can easily find them.
Preventing Damage
Like any other tangible thing, keys tend to wear out over time. They are usually made of brass or a nickel and brass mixture and can get damaged due to prolonged use.
Damaged keys may get stuck in the lock due to breakage and cause emergency lockouts. Hence, it is good practice to check your key health, have a spare one for emergencies, and alternate between keys to make them last significantly longer.
To Give Access to Others
You might need to get a key cut and duplicated to grant access to other people. For instance, you live with three other adult and responsible family members. You would all have different routines and schedules, and you wouldn’t be around to open and lock the house door for them every time they come and leave.
Therefore, it is best to choose the key-cutting machine and make spare keys to distribute among people sharing access. Just make sure they keep their keys safe and understand how losing them could jeopardize the security of the entire house.
Must Read: What You Should Do if You Lost Your House Keys
Types of key-cutting Machines
There are different types of key-cutting machines designed to make various kinds of keys. However, their manufacturing mechanisms are approximately the same, which makes them easy to use.
Machines for making keys can be divided into manual, automated, and laser machines. As the name suggests, manual key cutters are hand-operated and are the least accurate of the other machines.
An automated key-cutter does not require manual labor but cuts the key by itself using a stylus. Laser devices work according to the exact mechanism as automated devices but use a laser for cutting. The other most frequently used types of key duplication machines include:
- Tubular key-cutting machines
- Cylinder key-cutting machines
- Dual key cutting machines
- Mortice key-cutting machines
How Does a Key-cutting Machine Work
As discussed above, key-cutting machines work on the principle of copying. Therefore, the device copies the blades of one key and transfers the copy to the key blank. As for how different key-cutting machines work, the principle of operation is the same. The only difference is what type of operator uses the cutting device.
So, let's consider how a key-cutting machine works using the example of a manual type. To make a new key, first of all, you need a blank most similar to the key from which the blades will be copied.
Next, insert the original key into the first vice in a way that directs the teeth upwards. After that, insert the key blank into the second vice, which houses the cutting blade. You can turn on the machine after ensuring the key and the workpiece are well-fixed.
So, the key duplicator will automatically determine the necessary speed and angle for cutting. At the same time, you need to circle the cutters of the original key. After cutting, remove dust from the new key and check the cutters for sharp edges.
How Long Does Key Cutting Take
One of the main benefits of key-cutting is the fast production time. With a little effort, you can get a new key in a short period. The only difference in manufacturing time is the type of key that needs to be cut.
Thus, making a key takes less than a minute, while mortising keys takes about 5 minutes. Making keys for safes takes the most time due to specific cutting difficulties. So, it takes over 20 minutes to make a key for a safe.
To know the exact time to cut your key, it’s best to contact a local locksmith who has expertise in auto key-cutting machines.
How much does key-cutting cost?
The cost of getting a key cut in India generally varies between ₹100 and ₹300. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the exact price will depend on your location, type of key, and way it needs to be cut, and the locksmith services you’re choosing.
Even though the time taken to cut a key may be short, the equipment locksmiths use to cut keys can cost thousands of pounds.
Can a key maker cut a key from a broken key?
Yes, a professional locksmith can cut a new key even from a broken key. To make a new key with the help of a key-cutting machine, it will be necessary to get all the pieces of the broken key.
For this, it is ideal to contact a professional locksmith company so that the locksmith can retrieve the broken key and not damage the lock. If the key is too damaged or all the pieces are missing, then the locksmith can also cut a new key using the lock of the door or car.
Read Next: The Importance of Using Professional Duplicate Key Makers
The Bottom Line
The key-cutting machine is a great device that allows us to easily get the new keys in minutes and without much effort. However, you may not need to learn how it works or spend a lot of time doing key-cutting yourself, as we’re always here to help!
Keyenzy is a one-stop destination for a full range of locksmith services. So if you’re searching for a “key-making machine near me,” Contact us. We will be glad to connect you with a reliable locksmith near you within minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the different types of key-cutting machines?
Ans. There are several types of Key Cutting Machines. However, the most common types include Manual, Semi-automatic, Automatic, and Laser key-cutting machines.
Q. Can any type of key be cut?
Ans. No, not all types of keys can be cut. The common types of keys that be cut include House keys (most common), Car keys (may require specific machines), Padlock keys, Cabinet keys, and Some high-security keys (need specialized machines).
Q. How long does key cutting take?
Ans. The exact time of key cutting depends on the machine and key complexity. However, generally, simple key duplication takes 2-5 minutes, a complex key (car key) takes 5-10 minutes, and creating a new key from code requires 10-15 minutes.
Q. Can a key-cutting machine can duplicate digital keys?
Ans. No, key cutting machine cannot duplicate a digital key. They are stored electronically in chips or fobs and require specific programming tools to be copied.
