keycutter

A keycutter, in locksmithing, is a device or person that creates copies of keys. The most common usage refers to a key-cutting machine that duplicates a blank key to match the profile of an existing key or to follow a manufacturer's code. Keycutters are used in locksmith shops, hardware stores, and some self-service kiosks.

In operation, a key blank is secured in a movable vise. An original key or a key code guides the cutting tool as the machine removes material from the blank to reproduce the necessary bitting or groove pattern. Modern machines often encode data from a key code or from the original and then cut with a rotating milling cutter or laser. Traditional mechanical duplicators use a template or bitting gauge to guide the cut.

Types: Mechanical duplicators using template guidance, automatic or computerized duplicators that read codes and cut via milling or laser, and specialized high-security key cutters that work with restricted blanks. Some methods rely on impressioning, where a blank is inserted into a lock and shaped while the lock is manipulated, producing a working but unfit copy that is then refined.

Legal and practical considerations: Key duplication is subject to local laws and lockout policies. Many high-security or restricted-key systems require proof of ownership or authorization, and some keys are restricted to authorized locksmiths. A keycutter may be operated by a licensed professional or by trained staff in retail settings.