Car Key Cutting

What Types of Car Key Blades Does Triton Locksmith Cut?

Three cut types: standard edge-cut, laser-cut (sidewinder), and high-security dimple-cut. Each uses different blade geometry and requires different cutting equipment. Here's the breakdown:

• Standard edge-cut ($65-$85): Teeth cut on one or both edges of a flat brass blade. The traditional car key look. Used on most domestic and Asian vehicles pre-2010 and many current trucks. Ford H75, Honda HON66, Toyota TOY43 are common edge-cut blanks. Cut in 3-5 minutes.
• Laser-cut / sidewinder ($85-$125): A winding groove carved into the center of a thicker blade. Looks like a snake trail down the middle of the key. More precise, harder to duplicate without proper equipment. Used on most 2010+ vehicles and nearly all European brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi/VW, Lexus). Cut in 5-8 minutes.
• High-security dimple-cut ($125-$175): Round dimples drilled into the flat face of the blade at precise depths. Found on some luxury vehicles and high-security cylinders. Requires specialized milling equipment.

We cut all three types on our mobile Triton TRJ-1 automatic key machine. It reads the original key's bitting (or decodes the lock) and cuts the new blank with tolerances within 0.001 inches. Calibrated weekly. Every key we cut works the first time.

Can You Cut a Car Key Without the Original?

Yes. Two methods.

Method 1: Lock decoding. We insert a Lishi 2-in-1 pick/decode tool into the door lock cylinder. As we manipulate each wafer, the tool reads the position and gives us the exact bitting code. We enter that code into the key machine and it cuts the correct key. No original needed. Works on virtually every vehicle.

Method 2: VIN-based code lookup. Many vehicle manufacturers store the key code in a database linked to the VIN number. We access this database through our diagnostic tools or through authorized locksmith networks. The database returns the correct bitting code. We cut the key from the code. This method is faster but not available for all makes.

Both methods produce a key that's identical to what the dealer would cut. The blade opens the door and turns the ignition. If the vehicle has a transponder immobilizer, the blade alone won't start the engine. The chip needs separate programming.

How Much Does Car Key Cutting Cost by Key Type?

• Standard edge-cut (from existing key): $65-$85
• Standard edge-cut (from lock decode, no original): $85-$110
• Laser-cut (from existing key): $85-$125
• Laser-cut (from lock decode): $110-$150
• High-security dimple-cut: $125-$175
• Emergency blade for smart key fob: $25-$50 (the hidden blade inside proximity fobs)

These are blade-cutting prices only. If your key also needs a transponder chip programmed (most vehicles 1998+), that's an additional $100-$250. For a complete key with blade + chip + programming, see our car key replacement service.

What Key Blanks Does Triton Locksmith Carry?

Over 200 blanks covering every major brand. We stock the most common blanks in our van:

• Honda/Acura: HON66 (edge), MIT11 (laser), emergency blades
• Toyota/Lexus: TOY43, TOY48 (edge), TOY40 (laser), emergency blades
• Ford: H75, H84, H92 (edge), HU101 (laser for 2011+)
• GM: B111, B107 (edge), HU100 (laser for 2010+)
• Nissan/Infiniti: NSN14 (edge), NSN14 (laser for 2015+), emergency blades
• BMW: HU92 (older), HU58 (older), laser for 2005+ Comfort Access
• Mercedes: HU64 (older), laser for 2000+, chrome key shell for 2014+
• VW/Audi: HU66 (laser), HU162 (laser for 2015+)

If your vehicle uses an uncommon blank we don't have in the van, we can source it same-day from our local distributor. Call ahead with your year, make, and model and we'll confirm availability.

What's the Difference Between Edge-Cut and Laser-Cut Keys?

Edge-cut keys have teeth on the sides. Laser-cut keys have a groove down the center. Laser-cut keys are thicker, more resistant to breakage, and harder to duplicate without specialized equipment. They provide a higher level of physical security because the key pattern is more complex.

Most vehicles from 2010 onward and virtually all European brands use laser-cut keys. If your car was made in the last 15 years, there's a good chance it uses a laser-cut blade. Our Triton TRJ-1 handles both types. Many hardware store kiosks can only cut edge-cut keys. Laser-cuts require professional equipment.

Is the Cut Key Ready to Use Immediately?

For the door lock, yes. For starting the engine, it depends. The blade alone opens the door and turns the ignition cylinder on every vehicle. But if your car has a transponder immobilizer (most 1998+ vehicles), the engine won't start without a programmed chip in the key. The blade gets you in the door. The chip gets the engine running. We handle both services and usually do them together in one visit.

Where Does Triton Locksmith Cut Car Keys?

At your vehicle, anywhere across 48 South Florida cities. Our mobile key machine travels with us. Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach. 20-minute response. Call (561) 524-8500.

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