Spare Key Cutting
Learn how to duplicate a working key, inspect the original for wear, and test the new blade mechanics.
Alter Academy Practical Day
1 Day Automotive Key Cutting:
1 Day Automotive Key Cutting:
Spare Keys & Lost Keys
Work on real vehicles to decode locks, identify key blades, cut working automotive keys and master spare key and lost key situations.
Required Before Attending
This course is designed as the next logical step after learning vehicle entry. Students should already understand basic lock behaviour, terminology, and be comfortable with the Lishi picking and decoding process before attending. You can gain this knowledge from our 1 Day Lock Picking Course, our Support App, or by being self-taught.
1. Lock Picking Day
Learn to open and read the lock.
2. Key Cutting Day
Turn decoded info into a working blade.
3. Programming Day
Program the key to start the car.
The Experience
The proper progression in auto locksmithing
Once you understand how to pick and decode a vehicle lock, the next crucial skill is learning how to turn that information into a working key blade. Programming is not always the problem—if the mechanical blade is wrong, the job is already failing before you touch a programmer.
Students will work on real vehicles and training locks to practise spare key duplication, lost key blade creation, key blank identification, machine setup, cutting accuracy, and fault finding.
Course Modules
What you’ll learn
Lost Key Cutting
Work from decoded vehicle lock information to create a brand new working blade from scratch.
Vehicle Lock Decoding
Use real vehicles and training locks to understand how the decode visually turns into cut data.
Key Blank Identification
Choose the correct blade/profile. Understand shoulder stop vs tip stop and remote vs plain blades.
Machine Setup
Understand manual and electronic machine basics, proper clamping, alignment, cutting and deburring.
Fault Finding
Diagnose why a key does not insert, turn, or work smoothly using pre-cut bad examples.
Inside The Academy
Train on real cutting equipment
Is this for you?
Who should attend
This course is ideal for:
- Students who know how to pick and decode
- Trainees who want hands-on key cutting experience
- People wanting to master spare & lost key workflows
- Students preparing for programming training
This course is NOT for:
- Complete beginners with zero picking/decoding knowledge
- People expecting key programming training (that is the next step)
- Anyone looking for theory-only learning
1 Day Key Cutting Course
£299
- Full 1-day hands-on training
- Use of professional cutting machines
- Spare & lost key scenario training
- Small group instruction
- Fault diagnosis modules
Schedule
What happens on the day
10:00
Welcome, recap and setup
Recapping lock picking, why accurate decoding matters, and the difference between spare key and lost key situations.
10:45
Spare key workflow
Inspecting existing keys, checking for wear, identifying blades, and duplicating a working key.
11:30
Key blank identification
Hands-on blade matching challenge. Understanding shoulder stops, tip stops, remote shells, and lookalike blades.
12:30
Cutting machine setup & accuracy
Correct jaw selection, clamping, alignment, deburring, and cutting edge/laser keys on manual and electronic machines.
13:15
Lunch Break
13:45
Lost key situation: vehicle decodes
Working on physical cars to identify the blade, decode the lock, record the cuts, and cut a new blade from data.
14:45
Vehicle stations & scenario practice
Rotating through spare key duplication, lost key decodes, and high-security blade cutting stations.
15:30
Fault finding and real-world mistakes
Diagnosing common issues: bad cuts, bad clamping, wrong blanks, and poor decodes.
16:00
Full job workflow
Running through the complete process from lock to working blade to prepare for the real world.
Availability
Upcoming Course Dates
24th July
10:00 – 16:00 | Hertfordshire
Spaces Available
Book Date
28th August
10:00 – 16:00 | Hertfordshire
Spaces Available
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8th September
10:00 – 16:00 | Hertfordshire
Spaces Available
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23rd October
10:00 – 16:00 | Hertfordshire
Spaces Available
Book Date
20th November
10:00 – 16:00 | Hertfordshire
Spaces Available
Book Date
18th December
10:00 – 16:00 | Hertfordshire
Spaces Available
Book Date
The Final Step
Ready for programming?
Once you can pick, decode, and cut the blade, the next and final step is learning to program the transponder to start the vehicle.
View Full 5 Day Course
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do the lock picking day first?
Yes. To get the most out of this course, you need to understand the basics of picking and decoding a vehicle lock. If you don’t know how to decode a lock yet, please start with our Lock Picking course, app, or self-study first.
Does this course cover key programming?
No. This course is strictly focused on the mechanical side of key creation: decoding, identifying blades, and cutting them accurately on a machine. Programming is covered in our more advanced training courses.
Will I use electronic or manual key cutting machines?
You will use both. We teach the fundamentals of manual duplicators as well as modern, automated electronic key cutting machines so you are prepared for any setup.
Where exactly is the training held?
The course is held at our fully equipped, purpose-built auto locksmith training facility in Hertfordshire. Full address and directions will be provided upon booking.
Is lunch provided?
Yes! We provide lunch for all attendees, as well as complimentary tea, coffee, and water throughout the day. If you have specific dietary requirements, just let us know when you book.