What makes a key “laser-cut”?
A standard car key has notches cut into its edges. A laser-cut key, also called a sidewinder or high-security key, has a thicker blade with a groove milled into the flat face, so the cut wanders along the middle of the key instead of the edges. Despite the name, no laser is involved: the cut is made with a precision milling cutter on a dedicated automotive key machine.
How to tell what you have:
- Edge-cut key: thin blade, notches along one or both edges.
- Laser-cut key: thicker blade with a wavy channel down the face; it often works either way up.
- Smart key or proximity fob: push-to-start, and usually hides a small laser-cut emergency blade inside for the door.
Why a hardware store can't copy it
Most key kiosks and hardware counters are set up for flat, edge-cut house and older car keys. A laser-cut blade needs a different kind of key machine, and almost every laser-cut key also carries a transponder chip that has to be programmed to the vehicle before the engine will start. A copied blade on its own might turn the door lock, but it won't start the vehicle.
That's the part we handle. We cut laser-cut, high-security and standard edge-cut blades on our Triton Ultimate key machine, program the key to your vehicle, then test the door, ignition and remote buttons before we leave.
Laser-cut keys in Riverton, Lander and Fremont County
Spare Me Car Keys is based in Riverton, and we come to your vehicle: at home, at work, at the ranch or in a parking lot. Riverton and Lander are on our daily schedule, Casper weekly, Jackson and Thermopolis–Worland every two weeks, and Cody–Powell, Gillette, Rock Springs–Green River and Sheridan–Buffalo monthly. See our Lander and Riverton car key page for more about local service.
Spare key or all keys lost?
If you still have one working laser-cut key, adding a second is the simplest version of this job, so it's worth doing before the only key goes missing. See spare car keys. If every key is gone, the blade can often be cut by code from the vehicle information instead of copied, and new keys are programmed to the vehicle. See lost car keys with no spare.
Makes and models
We work on most makes and models, including Ford and Lincoln, Chevrolet, GMC and Buick, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, Toyota and Lexus, Honda, Subaru, Nissan and Kia and Hyundai. We can make Mercedes-Benz keys up to the 2013 model year; Mercedes-Benz models after 2013 have to go to the dealer. BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Land Rover and other European makes are case by case, so text 307-206-4218 with your year, make, model and VIN and we'll let you know.
What to have ready
- The year, make and model (the VIN helps)
- Your working key, if you have one
- Proof that the vehicle is yours, such as a title or registration with your ID
- Where the vehicle will be when we visit
Thinking about ordering a laser-cut key or fob online instead? Read why buying your own key or fob online often backfires first. Wondering about price? Our car key cost guide explains what goes into it.
Spare Me Car Keys is licensed, bonded and insured, our work is 100% satisfaction guaranteed, and there's a 3-year warranty on every key from us. Call or text 307-206-4218.