Car Key Cutting London
Precision key cutting for all makes and models — standard, laser-cut, and dimple keys. Cut from an existing key or from code. Mobile, on-site service across London. Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm.
Car key cutting is the process of shaping a blank key blade to exactly match the unique profile of a car's lock cylinder. Modern vehicles require precision cutting to tolerances of less than a tenth of a millimetre — a poorly cut key will either not enter the lock or cause premature wear to the barrel. Car Locksmith London uses CNC cutting machines calibrated to 0.01mm, covering all three key cut types used in UK-registered vehicles.
Key Cut Types We Cover
The classic key profile — a series of peaks and valleys cut along the top or both edges of the blade. Used across the vast majority of vehicles from the 1980s through to around 2005, and still common on budget models. We cut standard keys for all makes and all blade profiles.
Laser-cut keys (also called sidewinder or internal-cut keys) have a winding groove machined down the centre of the blade face. These keys operate in both directions and require specialist cutting equipment. Standard key-cutting machines cannot produce laser cuts.
Dimple keys have cylindrical bores drilled into the flat face of the blade — each hole a different depth, at a specific position. Highly secure and difficult to copy without the correct tooling. We use dedicated dimple-cutting equipment for accurate reproduction.
Cut From Existing Key vs Cut From Code
🔑 Cut From Existing Key
We trace the blade profile of your existing key and reproduce it on a new blank. The fastest method when a working original key is available. Used for spare keys and when the existing key is worn but still readable.
💻 Cut From Code
When no physical key is available, we extract the key code from the vehicle using OBD diagnostics or immobiliser module data, or look it up from the VIN via manufacturer data. We verify ownership before proceeding. Works even when all keys are lost.
The Cutting Process
Identify Key Profile
We identify the exact key blank required for your vehicle — make, model, year, and market variant all affect which blank is correct.
Measure or Retrieve Code
We trace the existing key or extract the code from the vehicle data. Our machines reference a library of thousands of key codes and profiles.
Precision CNC Cutting
The blank is cut to exact specification on our CNC machine — 0.01mm tolerance for laser and dimple types, full profile accuracy for standard cuts.
Test & Programme
We test the cut key in the lock before programming the transponder chip. A key that doesn't operate the lock smoothly is re-cut, not just programmed and handed over.
Makes We Cover
Pricing
All prices exclude VAT. Fixed price quoted before we start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between standard, laser, and dimple key cutting?
Standard (edge-cut) keys have a series of cuts along one or both edges of the blade — the most common type, used on most cars up to the early 2000s. Laser (track-cut or internal-cut) keys have cuts running down a central track on the flat face of the blade — more difficult to copy without specialist equipment. Dimple keys have cylindrical holes cut into the flat face of the blade — used on many German and some Asian brands. We cut all three types.
Can you cut a key without having the original?
Yes. If the original key is lost, worn, or damaged, we can cut a new key from code — using your car's key code stored in the vehicle data. We can extract this from the car itself (via OBD or module reading) or in some cases look it up from the vehicle's build data using the VIN. We always need to verify your identity and ownership before cutting from code.
My new cut key goes in and turns, but the car won't start — why?
A key cut correctly but not programmed will physically operate the locks and ignition barrel, but the car won't start because the immobiliser doesn't recognise the transponder chip. Key cutting and key programming are two separate operations — both are needed. We always include programming when supplying a working replacement key.
Can you cut a key for very old cars without chips?
Yes. Pre-1995 cars (and some budget models up to around 2000) have no transponder chips — just a mechanical blade. We cut these on the same visit. Simple blade-only cutting starts from our standard minimum rate.
How accurate is your key cutting?
We use precision CNC cutting machines calibrated to within 0.01mm tolerance. This level of precision is essential for modern laser-cut and dimple keys — poor tolerance causes stiff operation or lock damage over time. We always test the cut key in the lock before programming.
How much does car key cutting cost?
Key cutting is included in our key replacement service which starts from £120 + VAT. This covers the cut plus programming. A cut-only service (for keys that require no chip programming) starts from our minimum rate. All prices exclude VAT.