Whether you cut a handful of keys a week or run a busy counter, the machine you choose decides your speed, accuracy and how much you spend on cutters. Here is how to pick.
Manual duplicators
Manual machines like the Wenxing 100 series are the workhorse of key cutting. You trace the original against the blank by hand. They are affordable, reliable and cut the vast majority of edge-cut house, padlock and cabinet keys. If you are starting out, a good double-head manual duplicator covers almost everything.
Automatic and specialty machines
Automatic machines speed up high volume and handle dimple, sidewinder (laser) and tubular keys that a manual machine cannot. They cost more and need the right cutters and jaws, so buy automatic only when your key mix demands it.
Don’t forget the cutters
A machine is only as good as its cutter. HSS cutters are fine for brass blanks; carbide lasts far longer and cuts steel and nickel-silver cleanly. Keep a spare cutter and a de-burring brush on the bench.
We stock key cutting machines, cutters and brushes and can help you match a machine to the keys you actually cut. Call 437-345-7966 or browse our key machines.