LASER CUT KEYS GUIDE
LASER CUT KEYS GUIDE
16 min read
16 min read
Laser Cut Keys: Everything You Need to Know!
Laser Cut Keys: Everything You Need to Know!
Laser Cut Keys: Everything You Need to Know!
Laser Cut Keys: Everything You Need to Know!
"High security" aka laser cut keys — Explained. Their history, their benefits, the blade styles, cutting process, and what makes them harder to duplicate.
"High security" aka laser cut keys — Explained. Their history, their benefits, the blade styles, cutting process, and what makes them harder to duplicate.
"High security" aka laser cut keys — Explained. Their history, their benefits, the blade styles, cutting process, and what makes them harder to duplicate.
By Paul Tyo
Lead Automotive Locksmith, CarKeyAction - Automotive Locksmith Calgary
⚠️Warning: This article is actually informative
No time to scroll and read? Hit the TL;DR button and go straight to the final takeaways, conclusions, and all the "meat" — no fluff.
No time to scroll and read? Hit the TL;DR button and go straight to the final takeaways, conclusions, and all the "meat" — no fluff.
What is a Laser Cut Key?
Laser Cut Keys: The Present of Automotive Security
You've probably heard one of those names before: laser cut key, sidewinder key, or high-security key. They are different names for the same thing. All refer to a key with a specific type of blade, a high-security blade. This type of high-security blade is commonly used in most newer vehicles as part of their factory key design.
You've probably heard one of those names before: laser cut key, sidewinder key, or high-security key. They are different names for the same thing. All refer to a key with a specific type of blade, a high-security blade. This type of high-security blade is commonly used in most newer vehicles as part of their factory key design.
If a car key has a high-security blade, it’s considered a "laser cut key". Regardless of whether the key is just a basic car key or a remote key, laser-cut classification is only defined by the blade design.
If a car key has a high-security blade, it’s considered a "laser cut key". Regardless of whether the key is just a basic car key or a remote key, laser-cut classification is only defined by the blade design.
So technically, a remote key can also be called a laser cut key, if it features a high-security blade.
So technically, a remote key can also be called a laser cut key, if it features a high-security blade.
How Do Laser Cut Keys Differ From Traditional Keys?
Traditional car keys, the ones you’ve probably seen a million times, are cut along the edges of the blade using a rotary wheel cutter. If only one side is cut, it's called a single-sided key. If both sides are cut, it's a double-sided key.
Traditional car keys, the ones you’ve probably seen a million times, are cut along the edges of the blade using a rotary wheel cutter. If only one side is cut, it's called a single-sided key. If both sides are cut, it's a double-sided key.
The difference between traditional single and double-sided keys is that a double-sided keys can be inserted either way and still work.
The difference between traditional single and double-sided keys is that a double-sided keys can be inserted either way and still work.
Laser cut keys, on the other hand, are made using high-security key cutting machine rather than standard rotary cutting wheels. This process creates precise, symmetrical grooves, usually cut down the center of the blade — giving the blade its distinctive design.
Laser cut keys, on the other hand, are made using high-security key cutting machine rather than standard rotary cutting wheels. This process creates precise, symmetrical grooves, usually cut down the center of the blade — giving the blade its distinctive design.
A traditional key machine cannot cut laser cut keys, but a high-security machine can cut both. Machines that can cut high-security blades are more restricted, which makes laser cut keys harder to copy and overall more secure than traditional keys.
Laser cut keys also naturally double-sided, which means you can insert them either way — no need to find the right side like with house keys or older car keys.
Laser cut keys also naturally double-sided, which means you can insert them either way — no need to find the right side like with house keys or older car keys.
Why Laser Cut Keys Were Adopted By Car Manufacturers
Laser-cut blade design hit the automotive scene in the early 1990s, joining forces with transponder key technology to fight the ever growing car theft. They accomplished the mission with great success. (more on that later)
Laser-cut blade design hit the automotive scene in the early 1990s, joining forces with transponder key technology to fight the ever growing car theft. They accomplished the mission with great success. (more on that later)
First adopters were luxury automakers such as Mercedes, Porsche, and BMW. They were the first to incorporate these new blades for their car keys. But it did not take long for more affordable car brands (such as Honda for example) to catch up.
First adopters were luxury automakers such as Mercedes, Porsche, and BMW. They were the first to incorporate these new blades for their car keys. But it did not take long for more affordable car brands (such as Honda for example) to catch up.
Nowadays, laser cut technology is a universal standard, and it's a typical security feature in virtually every new car that rolls off the dealership lot today.
Nowadays, laser cut technology is a universal standard, and it's a typical security feature in virtually every new car that rolls off the dealership lot today.
Laser Cut Key Benefits Over Traditional Car Keys
Traditional car keys had a major weakness: they were too easy to copy. You could copy a key with just a blank and a file, or any other method that would allow material removal from the blank to match the grooves along the edge of a original key, and the duplicate would work!
Traditional car keys had a major weakness: they were too easy to copy. You could copy a key with just a blank and a file, or any other method that would allow material removal from the blank to match the grooves along the edge of a original key, and the duplicate would work!
That was possible because traditional locks are very forgiving, even if the cuts on the key were noticeably off, the lock would still turn. So even poorly made copies would work.
That was possible because traditional locks are very forgiving, even if the cuts on the key were noticeably off, the lock would still turn. So even poorly made copies would work.
Laser cut keys changed that. They require a higher level of precision. Now you'd need to use a specialized high-security cutting machine just to cut the key. It also made the "room for error" on such locks a lot lower. That raised the barrier for duplication by a lot.
Laser cut keys changed that. They require a higher level of precision. Now you'd need to use a specialized high-security cutting machine just to cut the key. It also made the "room for error" on such locks a lot lower. That raised the barrier for duplication by a lot.
Laser cut blades by design stronger, thicker, and more durable than traditional keys. They resist wear, reduce mechanical failures, and provide a much more reliable long-term solution (both mechanically and in terms of security).
Laser cut blades by design stronger, thicker, and more durable than traditional keys. They resist wear, reduce mechanical failures, and provide a much more reliable long-term solution (both mechanically and in terms of security).
Where the name “Laser Cut” comes from
Laser cut key-cutting machine employs a bid guided by a tracer. Such blade cut the keys precisely like a "laser," which is why they are called "laser-cut-keys".
Laser cut key-cutting machine employs a bid guided by a tracer. Such blade cut the keys precisely like a "laser," which is why they are called "laser-cut-keys".
Interesting facts about laser cut keys
Multiple Styles: Laser cut keys have 7 unique cutting styles.
Decreased Theft: Laser cut keys decreased national car thefts by more than 27%.
Universal Use: Today, ALL of car manufacturers use laser cut key systems.
Increased Durability: Laser cut keys increased the durability of car locks by approximately 42%.
Multiple Styles: Laser cut keys have 7 unique cutting styles.
Decreased Theft: Laser cut keys decreased national car thefts by more than 27%.
Universal Use: Today, ALL of car manufacturers use laser cut key systems.
Increased Durability: Laser cut keys increased the durability of car locks by approximately 42%.
How Laser Cut Keys Improve our Vehicle's Security?
We touched on that earlier, but I want to expand and break it down properly.
We touched on that earlier, but I want to expand and break it down properly.
1. Harder to Pick or Bypass
Laser-cut or high-security lock cylinders use a more complex internal design than traditional locks, making them far more resistant to manipulation techniques such as picking, raking, or bypassing.
Laser-cut or high-security lock cylinders use a more complex internal design than traditional locks, making them far more resistant to manipulation techniques such as picking, raking, or bypassing.
2. Required Specialized Key Cutting Equipment
Unlike traditional keys that could be duplicated almost anywhere, to cut laser cut keys you'd need a specialized high-security key-cutting machine, the kind you’ll only find at professional locksmith shops. These sidewinder key duplicators are very expensive, require knowledge to operate them, and are not available to the general public, which makes it more difficult for people with malicious intent to duplicate such keys.
Unlike traditional keys that could be duplicated almost anywhere, to cut laser cut keys you'd need a specialized high-security key-cutting machine, the kind you’ll only find at professional locksmith shops. These sidewinder key duplicators are very expensive, require knowledge to operate them, and are not available to the general public, which makes it more difficult for people with malicious intent to duplicate such keys.
3. Made More Key Variations and Combinations
Another weakness in older automotive key systems was the limited number of available key code combinations. In simple terms, the system only allowed a limited number of unique keys. Once those ran out, the same key patterns had to be reused. It means that a car key from one car could unlock and start another car. It was a serious security vulnerability.
Another weakness in older automotive key systems was the limited number of available key code combinations. In simple terms, the system only allowed a limited number of unique keys. Once those ran out, the same key patterns had to be reused. It means that a car key from one car could unlock and start another car. It was a serious security vulnerability.
Laser-cut keys solved this problem by increasing the number of possible key combinations. Instead of having a small pool of repeated cuts, the system allowed more unique patterns, making it far less likely for two vehicles to share a similar key in the same region. Greatly reducing the risk of accidental cross-keying.
Laser-cut keys solved this problem by increasing the number of possible key combinations. Instead of having a small pool of repeated cuts, the system allowed more unique patterns, making it far less likely for two vehicles to share a similar key in the same region. Greatly reducing the risk of accidental cross-keying.
4. Made Tighter Key and Lock Tolerances
Older key systems were built with loose mechanical tolerances, meaning a key that was “close enough” to the original could potentially unlock or even start a different car.
Older key systems were built with loose mechanical tolerances, meaning a key that was “close enough” to the original could potentially unlock or even start a different car.
Laser cut key systems drastically tightened manufacturing tolerances. In high-security keys the cuts are very precise, and the lock cylinders are engineered to accept only a perfect or near perfect match.
While some lower-cost brands may still allow minor deviations, high-end vehicles like Mercedes-Benz or BMW won’t tolerate even the slightest variation — A wrong car key won’t turn at all.
5. Introduced Replaceable Key Blades
This final feature is mainly a convenience feature, but it still affected wear and tear over time.
This final feature is mainly a convenience feature, but it still affected wear and tear over time.
Like traditional car keys, laser cut keys can also wear-out over time, especially with frequent use. But here’s the advantage: when that wear happens on a laser cut flip key for example, you don’t have to replace the entire key, but just the blade.
Like traditional car keys, laser cut keys can also wear-out over time, especially with frequent use. But here’s the advantage: when that wear happens on a laser cut flip key for example, you don’t have to replace the entire key, but just the blade.
Like traditional car keys, laser cut keys can also wear-out over time, especially with frequent use. But here’s the advantage: when that wear happens on a laser cut flip key for example, you don’t have to replace the entire key, but just the blade.
This is a cool feature that was introduced with laser cut systems and became super common among flip-style remotes like the AUDI's for example. It saves money, adds convenience, and reduces waste. It's a nice practical solution that car owners can benefit from.
This is a cool feature that was introduced with laser cut systems and became super common among flip-style remotes like the AUDI's for example. It saves money, adds convenience, and reduces waste. It's a nice practical solution that car owners can benefit from.
Breaking Down Laser Cut Cutting Styles/Variations
Not all laser cut keys cut the same. As depicted in the illustration above, there are several different laser cut blade styles or 7 to be exact. Every car manufacturer developed its own laser-cut style to stand out, often with a uniquely shaped blade and a distinct cutting pattern.
Not all laser cut keys cut the same. As depicted in the illustration above, there are several different laser cut blade styles or 7 to be exact. Every car manufacturer developed its own laser-cut style to stand out, often with a uniquely shaped blade and a distinct cutting pattern.
Many car manufacturers moved forward with a more modern approach — Cutting their high-security blades along the center. Others, stuck to cutting along the sides just like traditional edge-cut keys.
Many car manufacturers moved forward with a more modern approach — Cutting their high-security blades along the center. Others, stuck to cutting along the sides just like traditional edge-cut keys.
From what I’ve seen over the years as an automotive locksmith, one thing is clear — The way the blade is cut does make a difference!
From what I’ve seen over the years as an automotive locksmith, one thing is clear — The way the blade is cut does make a difference!
The "cutting along the sides" design failed the durability test over time. Faster key wear, frequent lock cylinder failures, and endless problems that's what I've seen. These systems aged poorly and car owners paid and still paying the price.
The "cutting along the sides" design failed the durability test over time. Faster key wear, frequent lock cylinder failures, and endless problems that's what I've seen. These systems aged poorly and car owners paid and still paying the price.
The center-cut blades proved to be more durable and smoother to operate. They hold better over time. This design reduce friction, wear slower, and maintain tight tolerances.
The center-cut blades proved to be more durable and smoother to operate. They hold better over time. This design reduce friction, wear slower, and maintain tight tolerances.
Some car manufacturers studied the data and quietly made the switch to "cut along the center" design (BMW for example). Others, despite the evidence, stuck with flawed designs (Honda, Subaru, etc).
Some car manufacturers studied the data and quietly made the switch to "cut along the center" design (BMW for example). Others, despite the evidence, stuck with flawed designs (Honda, Subaru, etc).
Actually one of our most frequent ignition repair jobs we face as car locksmiths are Honda and old BMW ignitions that fail because of this flawed design. We fix those almost daily.
Actually one of our most frequent ignition repair jobs we face as car locksmiths are Honda and old BMW ignitions that fail because of this flawed design. We fix those almost daily.
The bottom line? Center-cut blades outperform edge-cut blades, and that’s backed by real-world data.
The bottom line? Center-cut blades outperform edge-cut blades, and that’s backed by real-world data.
The Process of Copying Laser Cut Keys
If you are looking to get a new laser-cut key cut, your best bet would be to visit a professional automotive locksmith. Laser-cut keys require a specialized high-security key cutting machine — and usually you won't find these machines in standard hardware stores.
If you are looking to get a new laser-cut key cut, your best bet would be to visit a professional automotive locksmith. Laser-cut keys require a specialized high-security key cutting machine — and usually you won't find these machines in standard hardware stores.
So how does the process actually work? It typically involves three steps, each one essential for cutting a proper duplicate:
So how does the process actually work? It typically involves three steps, each one essential for cutting a proper duplicate:
1. Decoding The Original Blade And Retrieving The Original Key-Code
Each car key has a key-code. A key-code is hidden instruction we the locksmiths enter into our cutting machines. These instructions help the machine know what key it deals with and how to it properly.
Each car key has a key-code. A key-code is hidden instruction we the locksmiths enter into our cutting machines. These instructions help the machine know what key it deals with and how to it properly.
So we would need to retrieve the unique key-code for your vehicle. This can be done in several ways:
So we would need to retrieve the unique key-code for your vehicle. This can be done in several ways:
Visually decoding the blade by eye (for experienced locksmiths)
Using the machine’s built-in tracer which will scan the original key and retrieve the original key-code.
Retrieving the code from a database using the vehicle’s VIN number, usually done through the dealership or 3rd party sources.
Visually decoding the blade by eye (for experienced locksmiths)
Using the machine’s built-in tracer which will scan the original key and retrieve the original key-code.
Retrieving the code from a database using the vehicle’s VIN number, usually done through the dealership or 3rd party sources.
This step is crucial. If the retrieved key-code is wrong, the new key won’t work — Or worse, it could damage the ignition cylinder.
This step is crucial. If the retrieved key-code is wrong, the new key won’t work — Or worse, it could damage the ignition cylinder.
2. Calibrating The Key Cutting Machine To That Specific Key
Once the correct key-code is known, we will configure the cutting machine to match the vehicle’s key profile and manufacturer specs. This is a vital step and requires precision and knowledge — Wrong settings will ruin the new blank and can also potentially damage the cutting machine itself.
Once the correct key-code is known, we will configure the cutting machine to match the vehicle’s key profile and manufacturer specs. This is a vital step and requires precision and knowledge — Wrong settings will ruin the new blank and can also potentially damage the cutting machine itself.
3. Cutting The New Laser-Cut Blade By Code
With the setup complete, it’s time to cut. The machine follows the decoded pattern to mill the key blade with extreme accuracy. If everything is aligned properly, the job takes just a few minutes. You'd walk out with a perfectly cut blade.
With the setup complete, it’s time to cut. The machine follows the decoded pattern to mill the key blade with extreme accuracy. If everything is aligned properly, the job takes just a few minutes. You'd walk out with a perfectly cut blade.
How Much Does it Cost to Cut Laser-Cut Keys?
For most vehicles, a fair price to pay for cutting a laser-cut blade will typically range between $30 to $70, it comes down to the blade type and complexity. Some laser-cut keys require additional more expensive equipment or unique machine setup. Special setups would take more time and increase the price accordingly.
For most vehicles, a fair price to pay for cutting a laser-cut blade will typically range between $30 to $70, it comes down to the blade type and complexity. Some laser-cut keys require additional more expensive equipment or unique machine setup. Special setups would take more time and increase the price accordingly.
Keep in mind that in modern cars cutting the blade alone might not be enough to start the car and drive.
Keep in mind that in modern cars cutting the blade alone might not be enough to start the car and drive.
Many modern vehicles use transponder chips, smart key systems, or proximity fobs, which require car key programming service in addition to cutting the blade.
Many modern vehicles use transponder chips, smart key systems, or proximity fobs, which require car key programming service in addition to cutting the blade.
If the key is not programmed, the key will fit the lock and turn the ignition — but the car won’t start.
If the key is not programmed, the key will fit the lock and turn the ignition — but the car won’t start.
So if you are replacing the entire key and not just the blade, make sure you factor in the additional cost of programming, which is often required separately.
So if you are replacing the entire key and not just the blade, make sure you factor in the additional cost of programming, which is often required separately.
If You are Looking to Switch Just the Blade and Keep the Old Car Key
First, the good news: replacement sidewinder blades are generally affordable and can be purchased from most automotive locksmith shops. You can also find them online — But that’s where you need to be cautious.
First, the good news: replacement sidewinder blades are generally affordable and can be purchased from most automotive locksmith shops. You can also find them online — But that’s where you need to be cautious.
Buying sidewinder key blades online can be a hit or miss. Not all websites are reputable (even amazon, surprise surprise 🫢), and the photos you see may not match the product you'll actually receive.
Buying sidewinder key blades online can be a hit or miss. Not all websites are reputable (even amazon, surprise surprise 🫢), and the photos you see may not match the product you'll actually receive.
So What Could Go Wrong And How to Avoid It?
Before we get into what can go wrong, I want to be clear: this isn’t meant to discourage you from buying online, but to help you make a more informed decision and choose the right product.
Before we get into what can go wrong, I want to be clear: this isn’t meant to discourage you from buying online, but to help you make a more informed decision and choose the right product.
Some low-quality blades are made from terrible metal alloys. That’s a serious risk for the locksmith who will cut that blade for you. Many locksmiths would avoid cutting it for you altogether.
Some low-quality blades are made from terrible metal alloys. That’s a serious risk for the locksmith who will cut that blade for you. Many locksmiths would avoid cutting it for you altogether.
A poorly manufactured blade can:
A poorly manufactured blade can:
Damage the key-cutting machine (snap the tracer, break the cutter)
Fail after cut (cut to code but bad material prevents the key from turning)
Snap inside your lock cylinder and leave you with a bigger problem
Damage the key-cutting machine (snap the tracer, break the cutter)
Fail after cut (cut to code but bad material prevents the key from turning)
Snap inside your lock cylinder and leave you with a bigger problem
To avoid this, always buy from reputable suppliers, especially those who serve professional auto locksmiths. These vendors typically offer higher-grade materials and consistent manufacturing standards. Hard to go wrong with them.
To avoid this, always buy from reputable suppliers, especially those who serve professional auto locksmiths. These vendors typically offer higher-grade materials and consistent manufacturing standards. Hard to go wrong with them.
Bottom line is this: Whether you're buying in person or online, don’t cut corners. Make sure your replacement blade is high quality and compatible with your vehicle. It’s a small cost that can save you from major headaches later.
Bottom line is this: Whether you're buying in person or online, don’t cut corners. Make sure your replacement blade is high quality and compatible with your vehicle. It’s a small cost that can save you from major headaches later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Cut Keys
So we've checked what people asked on Google about laser cut keys and these questions came up the most. We’ve answered them. If some of them were already covered earlier in the article, sorry 🤷 — just skip past and move on.
So we've checked what people asked on Google about laser cut keys and these questions came up the most. We’ve answered them. If some of them were already covered earlier in the article, sorry 🤷 — just skip past and move on.
Can laser cut keys be duplicated?
Can laser cut keys be duplicated?
How much does a laser cut key cost?
How much does a laser cut key cost?
Why are laser cut keys so expensive?
Why are laser cut keys so expensive?
How do you know if a key is laser cut?
How do you know if a key is laser cut?
What is the difference between a laser cut key and a regular key?
What is the difference between a laser cut key and a regular key?
What cars use laser cut keys?
What cars use laser cut keys?
Can a locksmith make a laser-cut key without a key?
Can a locksmith make a laser-cut key without a key?
Can you take a picture of a key and have it made?
Can you take a picture of a key and have it made?
Quick Summary: TL;DR 🔥
A laser cut key is a modern high-security car key, usually milled through the center using specialized cutting machines, but could also be cut along the edges (less common). It’s called “laser cut” because of the way it is cut. There are 7 common blade styles, but the most durable and reliable ones are center-cut. Side-cut styles (like older Honda or BMW keys) tend to wear out faster and cause more issues.
A laser cut key is a modern high-security car key, usually milled through the center using specialized cutting machines, but could also be cut along the edges (less common). It’s called “laser cut” because of the way it is cut. There are 7 common blade styles, but the most durable and reliable ones are center-cut. Side-cut styles (like older Honda or BMW keys) tend to wear out faster and cause more issues.
Laser Cut Keys Improved Automotive Security By:
Being harder to pick or bypass.
Requiring specialized cutting equipment.
Giving each vehicle a unique key combination.
Using tighter tolerances to prevent cross-keying.
Being harder to pick or bypass.
Requiring specialized cutting equipment.
Giving each vehicle a unique key combination.
Using tighter tolerances to prevent cross-keying.
There are 3 steps to cutting a laser cut key: decode → set-up machine → cut. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $70 for a cutting services. If you’re buying a car key online, make sure it’s from a reputable source. A bad blank can cost you more in damage than you’ll ever save.
There are 3 steps to cutting a laser cut key: decode → set-up machine → cut. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $70 for a cutting services. If you’re buying a car key online, make sure it’s from a reputable source. A bad blank can cost you more in damage than you’ll ever save.
Bottom line: I'd recommend to go to a professional automotive locksmith. Whether you walk into a shop or call mobile service, they’ll get the job done the right way and you'd still save a good chunk of money.
Bottom line: I'd recommend to go to a professional automotive locksmith. Whether you walk into a shop or call mobile service, they’ll get the job done the right way and you'd still save a good chunk of money.
Need New Car Key Cut in Calgary AB?
Whether it’s a proximity key, key fob, chip key, or any laser-cut blade, we can help you. If your vehicle uses a transponder system, we can program it too. Everything is done on the spot with our mobile car locksmith service in Calgary.
Whether it’s a proximity key, key fob, chip key, or any laser-cut blade, we can help you. If your vehicle uses a transponder system, we can program it too. Everything is done on the spot with our mobile car locksmith service in Calgary.
CarKeyAction™ is Calgary’s go-to automotive locksmith. We use industry-leading laser key machines and the latest tools to cut and program keys for nearly every make and model, accurately and professionally.
Don’t wait — get your new key cut and programmed the right way.
📞 Call us at (403) 589-8978 or book an appointment now.
Don’t wait — get your new key cut and programmed the right way.
📞 Call us at (403) 589-8978 or book an appointment now.
Table of contents
01
What is a Laser Cut Key?
02
How Laser Cut Keys Improve our Vehicle's Security?
03
Breaking Down Laser Cut Cutting Styles/Variations
04
The Process of Copying Laser Cut Keys
05
How Much Does it Cost to Cut Laser-Cut Keys?
06
If You are Looking to Switch Just the Blade and to Keep the Old Key
07
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Cut Keys
08
Quick Summary: TLDR
09
Need New Sidewinder Blade Cut in Calgary?
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