Key Cutting Machines Buying Guide—Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

KEY CUTTING MACHINES BUYING GUIDE

SIDE-BY-SIDE

COMPARISON CHART Now separated for automotive and commercial locksmiths.

Page 6

A CLOSER LOOK at 11 of some of the most popular machines.

Page 4

FINDING THE RIGHT

KEY MACHINE How do you navigate your way to making the right choice? It’s not a simple thing.

Page 2

Finding the Right Key Machine

By Cary Stevens Owner—American Key Supply

I’ve owned, used, and demonstrated many different key machines in my career, both as a locksmith and as a locksmith industry wholesaler. This puts me in a pretty unique position, as I not only get to experience using more machines than the average locksmith will get to see in their lifetime, but I’m also privy to the successes—and yes, opportunities—that come with every single one of them.

There are SO MANY key machines available to choose from today, and I am frequently asked by customers for personal recommendations. That can be a tricky proposition, as I inevitably need to ask a series of questions about their business.

“What is your current volume, and by how much do you hope to grow that in the next two to five years? Which machine(s) do you currently own? Which machines did you have in the past? Exactly what about any of those machines did you like? What did you dislike?

What is your budget?” The list goes on.

In an effort to help our customers navigate this ever-broadening landscape, we’ve created these side-by-side comparison charts that really tries to tell the whole story in an unbiased and unfiltered way. These lists are not limited to machines that we like (or even sell for that matter) but include as many of today’s relevant code-cutting machines as we could fit—17 to be exact; all computerized and automatic.

We’ve left manual key cutting machines like the HPC Blitz and Framon #2 for another discussion because, although they are useful, they’ve been around long enough for most locksmiths to understand their full capabilities. We’ve also seen a seismic shift in the purchasing habits of our customers, and it would seem that the quality of the automatic 2

machines is so good, that they are currently dominating the conversation. They do so much more, and they’re so close in price to the manual machines, that they’ve completely dominated in sales for several years now. For example, over the last month, we sold over 30 times as many of the automatics than we did manuals. That statistic is pretty hard to ignore.

I can personally vouch for the fact that all of these machines are excellent—yes, even the ones manufactured in China. Each machine listed here is reliable, durable, accurate, and easy to use. I have relationships with each manufacturer in the comparison charts and can testify that they all care about their reputations and want to make things right for the people who are willing to invest their hard-earned cash. In the end, I believe it boils down to abilities, features, and price, and not just reliability or usability.

These are 5 main things to consider when selecting the right machine for your business: #1—Your Business Are you planning on putting this machine into a shop or a van? Weights of these machines can range between 30 and 80 pounds. Although they may all have ways to mount them in moving vehicles, I’m not sure I’d want a 60 or 80-pound machine bouncing around in my van, even if it is built like a tank.

For those that need true portability, machines like the Dolphin or Black Widow can be carried with one hand and operated by battery, which is a wonderful thing when your customer is buried in a parking garage with low ceilings.

Another thing to consider is that those of you who live in cold climates may have a difficult time with machines that have operating temperatures starting as high as 50°F. And please be fair— each of these machines need warmup time when temperatures drop below freezing.

#2—Budget Obviously, we love when customers want the top-of-theline everything, where money is no object. Unfortunately, they’re few and far between. For the rest of you, have an honest conversation with the people in your life who will be impacted most about what you can afford, well before starting your search. Fortunately, a lot of the machines on the cheaper side of the spectrum can cut the same keys and have a lot of the same features as the expensive side.

Be sure to consider the costs of replacement parts for your machine. It can be painful spending over $100 for a new cutter, when some manufacturers charge only $10.

Yes, the expensive cutters are probably Swiss-made, but I’ve cut plenty of keys with the less expensive cutters and haven’t had to replace very many.

Some machines require attachments to cut specific keys, and those attachments are cumbersome and can add A LOT to the price. Oh, and updates—do you like paying for updates?

KEY TYPES High Security

#3—Key Types Take a look at the “Notable Key Types” section of the comparison charts. You’ll notice that not every machine is capable of cutting every single key type (refer to Key Types figure on the right). For example, if you make automotive keys and require the ability to cut all Jaguar tibbe keys, make sure the machine you intend to purchase can cut both the 6-cut and the older 8-cut types.

And as long as we’re on the subject, not every machine has the ability to cut tubular keys. That would be a problem if you intend to cut keys for a Harley Davidson, a vending machine, or a small safe. Who knew those had anything in common?

If you’re a commercial locksmith that wants to cut keys with angles (like bi-axial Medeco) or make safety deposit box keys (flat steel cut with a slotter), you’re limited to just a couple of options.

When I owned a locksmith business, there was nothing I hated more than having to turn down a job because I didn’t have the right equipment. With so many all-in-one style machines available now, do yourself a favor and avoid this pitfall.

Tibbe

Dimple

Double-Sided Edge-Cut

Single-Sided Edge-Cut

Tubular

Flat Steel (Safety Deposit Box)

#4—Future Growth Okay, so you consider yourself a commercial-only locksmith, but are you SURE you’re never going to want to be able to copy car keys some day? And for you auto-only locksmiths, are you SURE you don’t want to be able to do some basic residential work one day?

Try not to box yourself into a corner by buying a machine that may be too singularly focused. The Triton and Black Widow are examples of machines that can be purchased for just one side of locksmithing for now, but easily and inexpensively upgraded later.

Continued on Page 11 3

A CLOSER LOOK C

A

B

A

C

CONDOR II

FUTURA EDGE

BLACK WIDOW

Just after being introduced to the US market this March, this machine quickly became a hit. Xhorse is known for making superb hardware at extremely affordable prices, and their Condor XC Mini Plus II is no different. It’s the perfect workhorse for any locksmith that focuses only on automotive keys.

The Condor II is the only machine here that includes a 3-year warranty (typically serviced overseas).

If you like using the Blitz, you’ll love using the Futura Edge, made by Ilco (or Silca for those outside the US). It’s cool, fast, easy to use, and cuts almost every commercial key type. If you need to cut angles like Medeco Biaxial, get the Edge PLUS for another $1700.

The Black Widow is the younger brother to the Triton and includes a lot of its benefits. The Black Widow AUTO comes equipped to handle most automotive applications while the COMPLETE version adds a singlesided jaw for single-sided auto and commercial keys. Dimple, tibbe and tubular keys are easy with inexpensive accessories. The Black Widow likely will appeal to the budget-conscious locksmith business owner.

Item #14861

$3,299

4

B

THE EDGE Item #8970

THE EDGE PLUS Item #14992

$3,585

$5,295

THE AUTO Item #14130

THE COMPLETE Item #14201

$2,495

$2,895

E GLOSSARY OF TERMS CREATES UNIVERSAL FLIP BLADES Carve the head of a metal key to use in an Xhorse or KeyDIY universal remote.

TRACE DUPLICATION Allows user to duplicate keys without telling the machine exactly what kind of key they’re using.

CUT PROGRESSIONING 3FILL Helps user when not all cuts of the key are known.

ADJUSTABLE CUTTING DEPTH Adjust webbing thickness, the part left uncut between top and bottom of the key.

CUT HISTORY Allows user to easily access their previous keys cut, including key depths information.

D

SUPPORTS CUSTOM KEY PROFILES Allows user to create custom keys if spacing and depth info is known.

F

DECODE BY PHOTO Allows user to take a photo of an original key and decode by eye.

FRACTIONAL KEY DEPTHS Allows user to enter cut depths as a decimal or fraction.

PLUNGE OR COUNTOUR KEY CUTTING When cutting edge-cut keys, allows user to leave or cut away the tips between spaces.

BRUSHLESS MOTOR Brushless motors have significently higher e-iciency and performance, and a lower susceptability to mechanical wear.

D

E

F

3D ELITE SS

TRITON PLUS

NINJA TOTAL

Located in Texas, Laser Key Products is the only all-in-one machine that’s manufactured and supported right here in the United States. Now available in the “Super-Speed” version, featuring a 13,000 RPM motor, this machine is a favorite of many American locksmiths. If you want a machine that slices through edge-cut keys with a cutting wheel station instead of an end-mill cutter, this might be your best bet.

We sell more of this machine than any other. If you take even a cursory glance at our side-by-side comparison charts, you’ll probably see why. For both automotive and commercial locksmiths, in many cases, this machine will do as much or more than the others that have a much higher price. No matter which version you purchase, supplemental jaws can always be added later for minimal cost, so the machine can easily scale as your business grows.

Made by Keyline (previously Bianchi), this is known by many as the premiere, top-of-the-line machine in our industry.

The Ninja Total and all of its many accessories may seem overpriced, but it’s built like a tank. If any machine here was made to last 30 years, this is probably the one. And those Italians sure do know how to design a sleek, sexy machine. We recommend also getting the $245 arm support (#12126) to keep the console off of the counter and out of the way.

Item #14034

$6,750

THE AUTOMOTIVE Item #15229

$4,295

THE THE COMMERCIAL ULTIMATE Item #15230 Item #15231

$4,295

$4,950

Item #: 14129

$8,895 5

KEY MACHINE COMPARISON AUTOMOTIVE

AKS EXCLUSIVE

Market Price Ideal Environment Recommended Volume Great for Commercial Also NOTABLE KEY TYPES High Security / Laser-Cut Double-Sided Edge-Cut Single-Sided Edge-Cut Tubular (eg. Harley) Tibbe (ie. Ford/Jaguar) Non-Conductive (eg. Plastic) VW HU162T Ford HU198 VW HU66 BMW HU92 Mercedes HU64 Toyota 80K-Series Creates Universal Flip Blades SOFTWARE FEATURES Navigation Method Integrated Key Code Database Communicates with InstaCode Cut History Favorites Menu Trace Duplication Cut Progressioning (Fill) Adjustable Cutting Depth Custom Key Profiles Fractional Key Depths Plunge and Contour Key Cutting Decode by Photo Cost for Updates Update Process HARDWARE FEATURES Input Device One-Handed Carry Integrated Tool Storage Tool-Free Jaw Swap Cutting Wheel for Edge-Cut Keys Battery Option Available Can be Powered with 12V Replacement Cutter Price Replacement Decoder Price SPECIFICATIONS Motor Rotation Speed Power Drive Mode for X/Y Axis Brushless Motor Net Weight Dimensions Working Temperature Working Humidity Country of Manufacture Support Location Repair Location Warranty As of Feb 2022

6

Xhorse Dolphin II

AKS Black Widow AUTO

$2,250

$2,495

OUR BEST SELLER

Xhorse Condor XC Mini Plus II

$3,299

Ilco/Silca Futura AUTO

$3,800

Lock Labs Triton+ Automotive

$4,295

Vans Low to Medium

Vans Low to Medium

Vans & Shops Low to Medium

Vans & Shops Low to Medium

Vans & Shops Medium to High

NO

YES ($500 Upgrade)

NO

NO

YES ($200 jaw)

YES YES Duplications Only NO 6-Cut ($200 jaw) YES YES YES YES YES YES YES (needs shim)

YES YES NO YES ($200 jaw) 6 & 8-Cut ($150 jaw) YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

YES YES Duplications ($110 Jaw) NO 6-Cut ($200 jaw) YES YES YES YES YES YES YES (needs shim)

YES YES NO YES ($260 jaw) 6-Cut ($862 jaw) YES NO YES YES ($180 clamp) YES ($100 clamp) YES ($100 clamp) YES ($30 adapter)

NO

NO

YES YES YES ($200 jaw) YES ($200 jaw) 6 & 8-Cut ($150 jaw) YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

Select Method First YES (must be online)

Select Key Type First

Select Key Type First

YES YES

YES

YES

YES

YES YES NO (keeps logs) YES NO YES

YES

YES YES

Select Method First YES YES YES YES

Select Key Type First

YES (must be online)

NO

NO

YES

YES YES

YES Contour Only YES FREE

Via Mobile App

NO

NO

YES

YES YES

YES BOTH YES FREE

Via Mobile App

Console or App

Mobile App

YES YES YES

YES (retractable) YES YES

YES (integrated) NO $12.00 $12.00

YES ($40 cable) YES ($30 cable) $19.00 $9.90

NO

12,500 RPM

NO

12,000 RPM

DC24V/?A (160W) Direct Drive

DC12V/12.5A (150W) Belt Drive

YES 32.0 lbs

YES 32.9 lbs

8.5”Wx15.3”Dx12.8”H

10-50°C / 50-122°F 10-90% China

China China 1 Year

10.5”Wx14”Dx12”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F 10-90% China Las Vegas Las Vegas 1 Year

YES YES

UNKNOWN YES Contour Only NO

FREE UNKNOWN Integrated Console NO UNKNOWN

YES

YES

NO NO Contour Only NO Only for Firmware

China China 3 Years

NO

FREE

Integrated Console NO

YES NO

YES YES

$50.00 $36.00

YES

YES BOTH

Integrated Tablet NO

NO $12.00 $12.00

42 lbs 9.8”Wx16.3”Dx12”H 0-50°C / 32-122°F 10-90% China

YES YES

Via Wi-Fi

NO NO

10,000 RPM

YES

YES

Via Wi-Fi

NO NO

DC24V (200W) Belt Drive

NO

YES YES

NO

12,100 RPM

NO

YES ($130) YES ($80 adapter) $19.00 $9.90 12,000 RPM

DC24V/5.5A (130W) Belt Drive

DC24V/5A (120W) Direct Drive

YES

YES 35.3 lbs

44 lbs 12.5”Wx16”Dx13”H UNKNOWN India North Carolina North Carolina

11.75”Wx14.5”Dx12”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F 10-90% China Las Vegas Las Vegas

2 Years

2 Years

10-40°C / 50-104°F

Red Technology Miracle A9 Edge

$4,500

Keyline Gymkana 994

$5,200

Laser Key Products 3D Elite SS

Keyline Ninja Laser

Keyline Ninja Total

$6,750

$7,664

$8,895

Ilco/Silca Futura PRO

$9,287

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Low to Medium

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Shops Medium to High

Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Medium to High

YES ($300 jaw)

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES YES YES ($300 jaw) YES ($250 jaw) YES ($425 jaw) YES YES ($55 adapter) YES YES ($50 adapter) YES YES YES

YES YES SOME ($400 clamp) NO 6-Cut ($480 jaw) NO YES YES YES YES YES YES

4 Jaws (+$938) YES YES NO 6-Cut ($480 jaw) NO YES YES YES ($380 clamp) YES ($500 clamp) YES ($500 clamp) YES ($50 adapter)

YES (+$1200 euro jaws) YES YES YES ($950 jaw & cutter) 6-Cut ($480 jaw) NO YES YES YES ($380 clamp) YES YES ($500 clamp) YES ($50 adapter)

YES (+$200 euro jaw) YES YES YES ($260 jaw) 6-Cut ($862 jaw) YES NO YES ($150 adapter) YES ($180 clamp) YES ($100 clamp) YES ($100 clamp) YES ($30 adapter)

NO

YES YES YES YES ($400 jaw) 6 & 8-Cut ($400 jaw) YES (must lower speed) YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

NO

NO

NO

Select Key Type First

Select Key Type First

Select Key Type First

Select Key Type First

Select Key Type First

Select Key Type First

YES YES YES YES

YES

YES YES NO (keeps logs) NO NO

YES YES YES NO

YES YES YES NO

YES

YES

YES YES NO YES

YES (not integrated)

YES NO NO YES BOTH

YES NO NO YES BOTH

NO

YES

YES YES YES

YES Contour Only NO

NO

YES NO NO YES NO NO YES BOTH

Via Wi-Fi

NO Not for Codes Via Included Laptop

Integrated Tablet NO

Integrated Tablet NO

Included Laptop NO

Integrated Console NO

Integrated Console NO

Integrated Tablet NO

YES

NO NO

NO YES YES

NO YES YES

YES YES YES

YES NO

$72.00

NO $159.00 $53.00

NO $159.00 $53.00

NO $50.00

NO $49.00

$16.00 12,000 RPM

DC24V/?A (80W) Belt Drive

YES

NO $100.00 $45.00 8,000 RPM DC48V/2.5A (120W) Belt Drive

YES

NO YES ($450 option) $32.00

13,000 RPM

NO

NO NO BOTH

Free for 2 Years Via USB Stick or Ethernet

NO NO

NO

YES

FREE

YES NO NO

NO

NO YES Half-Cuts on All Spaces BOTH

YES

YES

Free for 2 Years Free for 2 Years Via USB Stick or Ethernet Via USB Stick or Ethernet

NO

6,000 RPM

NO

13,000 RPM

DC24V/9.2A (200W?) Belt Drive

DC24V/?A (250W) Belt Drive

DC24V/?A (250W) Belt Drive

YES

NO

Only for Firmware Via Wi-Fi

NO NO

$36.00

12,100 RPM

DC24V/5.5A (130W) Belt Drive

43 lbs 11”Wx13.5”Dx14”H -5-50°C / 23-122°F 10-90% Korea Missouri Missouri

42 lbs 12”Wx18”Dx12”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F UNKNOWN

46 lbs 13”Wx17”Dx18”H UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

YES 61 lbs

YES 65 lbs

13”Wx16”Dx12”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F UNKNOWN

15”Wx17”Dx13”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F UNKNOWN

Italy

United States

Italy

Italy Ohio Ohio

North Carolina North Carolina

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

Ohio Ohio

Texas Texas

Ohio Ohio

YES

44 lbs 12.5”Wx16”Dx13”H

10-40°C / 50-104°F UNKNOWN

Italy

7

KEY MACHINE COMPARISON COMMERCIAL

AKS EXCLUSIVE

AKS Black Widow COMPLETE Market Price Ideal Environment Recommended Volume Great for Automotive Also NOTABLE KEY TYPES Dimple (eg. Mul-T-Lock) Tubular (eg. Ace) SFIC (IC Core) Small (eg. M1, Y11) Angled Cut (eg. Medeco) Flat Steel (eg. Safety Deposit) Non-Conductive (eg. Aluminum) SOFTWARE FEATURES Integrated Key Code Database Communicates with InstaCode Imports Cutting List Cut History Favorites Menu Trace Duplication Engraving Cut Progressioning (Fill) Custom Key Profiles Fractional Key Depths Plunge or Contour Key Cutting Decode by Photo Cost for Updates Update Process HARDWARE FEATURES Input Device One-Handed Carry Integrated Tool Storage Protective Shield Integrated LED Lighting Tool-Free Jaw Swap Cutting Wheel for Edge-Cut Keys Battery Option Available Can be Powered with 12V Replacement Cutter Price Replacement Decoder Price SPECIFICATIONS Motor Rotation Speed Power Drive Mode for X/Y Axis Brushless Motor Net Weight Dimensions Working Temperature Working Humidity Country of Manufacture Support Location Repair Location Warranty As of Feb 2022

8

$2,895

OUR BEST SELLER

Ilco/Silca Futura EDGE

$3,585

Lock Labs Triton+ Commercial

$4,295

HPC QuickSilver

$4,099

HPC CodeMax

$5,089

Vans Low to Medium

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Medium to High

YES

NO

YES

NO

NO

NO NO YES YES YES

YES ($48 cutter/decoder) NO NO YES ($200 jaw) YES ($140 clamp) YES YES YES NO (+$1700 for EDGE PLUS) NO

NO

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO NO YES YES (+$455 for AA+Cutter) YES YES

YES (must be online)

YES YES

YES

Via PC Software NO

Via PC Software NO

NO YES YES NO YES

NO BOTH

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES BOTH

YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO BOTH

YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO Contour Only

NO

NO

Only Firmware Free

FREE

FREE

FREE

YES ($48 cutter/decoder) YES ($200 jaw) YES YES NO NO

NO NO

YES YES YES NO YES YES YES BOTH YES FREE

NO

Optional Software

NO

NO NO

NO

NO

Via Mobile App

Via Wi-Fi or USB

Via Wi-Fi

Via PC

Via PC

Mobile App

Included Tablet NO YES YES YES

Integrated Console NO

Integrated Console NO N/A YES YES N/A

LCD & Keypad NO NO

YES

YES

NO

NO

N/A N/A

N/A N/A

N/A 120VAC UNKNOWN NO 46 lbs 12”Wx17.5”Dx8”H UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

N/A 120VAC/4A UNKNOWN NO 40 lbs 12”Wx14”Dx14”H UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

United States

United States

YES (retractable) YES YES YES YES NO

YES ($130) YES ($30 cable) $19.00 $9.90 12,000 RPM

DC12V/12.5A (150W) Belt Drive

YES 32.9 lbs

10.5”Wx14”Dx12”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F 10-90% China Las Vegas Las Vegas 1 Year

NO YES NO

YES YES YES YES NO

N/A N/A

YES ($130) YES ($80 adapter) $19.00 $9.90

N/A DC24V/5.5A (130W) Belt Drive

DC24V/5A (120W) Direct Drive

NO

YES

35.3 lbs 12.5”Wx16.25”Dx13.4”H

12,000 RPM

YES 35.3 lbs

UNKNOWN India Ohio Ohio

11.75”Wx14.5”Dx12”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F 10-90% China Las Vegas Las Vegas

2 Years

2 Years

10-40°C / 50-104°F

NO

Hudson, MA Hudson, MA 1 Year

NO NO NO NO

Hudson, MA Hudson, MA 1 Year

Laser Key Products 3D Elite SS

Keyline Ninja Laser

$6,750

$7,664

JMA MultiCode

Keyline Ninja Total

$7,995

$8,895

Ilco/Silca Futura PRO

$9,287

HPC TigerSHARK2

$9,395

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Medium to High

Vans & Shops Medium to High

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES (W107 cutter) YES ($400 jaw) YES ($15 shim) YES

NO NO YES YES

YES YES YES

YES YES ($950 jaw & cutter) YES YES

YES YES ($260 jaw) YES ($140 clamp) YES

YES ($500 jaw) YES ($300 jaw) YES ($300 jaw) YES YES

YES ($300 cutter) YES (must lower speed)

NO

YES

NO

YES

YES

YES YES

YES YES

YES YES

YES YES

YES YES

YES

NO (keeps logs) NO NO YES ($810 jaw & cutter)

YES NO YES NO YES NO YES BOTH

YES YES

YES NO YES YES ($980 jaw & cutter) YES NO YES BOTH

NO YES YES NO YES NO NO BOTH

YES YES YES

NO

NO

YES (not integrated)

YES Half-Cuts on All Spaces BOTH

NO NO

NO

NO

COMING SOON

NO NO

NO

Edge-Cut Only

NO YES NO YES BOTH NO

NO NO

NO

NO

NO NO

NO

NO

NO

NO NO

YES ($485 jaw)

YES YES YES BOTH

NO Codes Updates Not Free Via Included Laptop

Free for 2 Years Via USB Stick or Ethernet

FREE

Only Firmware Free

Via Wi-Fi

Free for 2 Years Via USB Stick or Ethernet

NO

Via Wi-Fi or USB

Via Wi-Fi

Included Laptop NO

Integrated Console NO

Integrated Tablet NO

Integrated Console NO

Integrated Tablet NO

Integrated Tablet NO

YES

YES

FREE

NO

NO

YES YES (fixed) YES

YES YES YES

YES

YES YES (fixed) YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES NO

NO NO

YES YES YES YES NO

NO $159.00 $53.00

NO

$72.00

UNKNOWN UNKNOWN

NO $159.00 $53.00

NO $50.00 $50.00

NO $53.00 $9.90

12,100 RPM

12,000 RPM

YES

YES 80 lbs

NO YES ($450 option) $32.00

13,000 RPM

NO

6,000 RPM

DC24V/9.2A (200W?) Belt Drive

DC24V/?A (250W) Belt Drive

YES

YES 61 lbs

NO

12,000 RPM

DC24V/7.5A (180W) Direct Drive No

YES YES YES

13,000 RPM

DC24V/?A (250W) Belt Drive

YES YES

NO

DC24V/5.5A (130W) Belt Drive

DC24V/?A Belt Drive

60 lbs

YES 65 lbs

13”Wx16”Dx12”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F UNKNOWN

16.8”Wx17”Dx16.25”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F 10-90%

15”Wx17”Dx13”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F UNKNOWN

United States

Italy

Spain

Italy Ohio Ohio

North Carolina North Carolina

17”Wx14”Dx14”H 0-40°C / 32-104°F 10-90% China Hudson, MA Hudson, MA

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

2 Years

46 lbs 13”Wx17”Dx18”H UNKNOWN UNKNOWN Texas Texas

Ohio Ohio

Texas Texas

44 lbs 12.5”Wx16”Dx13”H

10-40°C / 50-104°F UNKNOWN

Italy

9

#5—Features I purposely saved this for last because I think it’s the least important. Again, each of the machines in this guide are easy to use and have all of the fundamental features that you require. Here are examples, though, of features that might be a bigger deal to some.

FAVORITES MENU As a locksmith that knows keys— unlike a hardware store employee or car dealership that doesn’t—keeping a list of commonly used keys in a “favorites” list makes life so much easier. Often, this feature can reduce 10 clicks to 2.

KEY CODE DATABASE Every computerized code cutter has them integrated nowadays, but keep in mind that a few of them require Internet access to convert codes.

It’s not a big deal in my opinion, but maybe something to keep in mind, especially if you service an area with poor cellular reception. Also, when new codes are released, you may not get them without ponying up some money.

ENGRAVING You may not think much of it now, but once you start doing it, you’ll love it. Some machines

only engrave keys. The 3D Elite is unique in that it will also allow you to put your company logo onto the face of a mortise cylinder. How much is that worth to you?

INTEGRATED TOOL STORAGE I actually LOVE it when customers lose their key machine accessories, so please buy a machine that does NOT have integrated tool storage. All kidding aside, this is a great option, especially for cluttered workspaces.

without pulling out or plunging back into each space. If you ever need to make 100 duplicates of a commercial key, you’re not going to want to do it with a plunge-cut key. Oh, but old ladies don’t like contour-cut keys.

12V POWER Do you have an inverter in your van? Only the Triton and Black Widow can be natively powered using a cigarette lighter port. Most locksmiths don’t consider this benefit until their work van requires an unexpected repair, and they’re forced to turn down the simplest calls because they can’t temporarily throw a key machine in the back of a 2006 Toyota Corolla.

Bonus Advice

PLUNGE OR CONTOUR KEY CUTTING Have you ever seen an edge-cut key without the little sharp tips between the cuts?

That is the byproduct of contour key cutting, where the key cutter gracefully glides across the length of the key

Many business owners love standardization, and opt for each of their vans to have the exact same key machines and programmers.

I am of the completely opposite opinion. Modern key machines are so easy to use that I feel you should mix it up a little. If you ever experience an issue with one key machine—and I’m sure they all have some missing code or some missing key type—you’ve got another to try.

In Conclusion I suppose this is as good a time as any to state my case as to why you should consider American Key Supply not only for your next key machine purchase, but for all your locksmith business needs. We take customer service seriously.

We stand by every single product we sell and have some of the best locksmiths in the nation providing free technical support for our customers. When you buy from us, you can take comfort in knowing that we consider you a partner and not just a customer.

Our success is dependent on yours, so we won’t hang you out to dry if ever there is a need for assistance on any item you’ve purchased from us. Did you know that all BlueRocket products come standard with a two-year warranty?

We also have the industry’s best sales team lead by none other than Mike Kenessey, a name most of you should already be familiar with. Mike has been serving the needs of locksmiths across the nation for well over a decade and is a resource not only for AKS, but for all of our customers. I implore you to please, at the very least, pick up the phone and give us a chance to earn your business. Build a relationship with one of our sales reps, and we can help get you into the equipment you truly have your heart set on. Our sales team is authorized to work with you on pricing, with flexible payment options, so you can make your purchase from us in full confidence.