What is a Laser Key?
Security milled into the middle of the blade
A laser key, also called a laser-cut, sidewinder or track key, is a thicker key with a winding groove milled into the middle or side of its flat face, instead of notches along its edge. The name is misleading: the groove is not made by a laser but by a precise milling cutter.
The wavy groove, the track, holds the code. How deep it is and where it sits along the blade is what the lock reads. Many laser keys are symmetrical, so they work either way up.
You will most often meet laser keys as car and van keys, but they are also used in some high-security door cylinders and padlocks. Many automotive versions also hide a transponder chip in the head that the car's immobiliser has to recognise.
Laser Key at a glance
- Typical security: High
- Also called: Sidewinder, track key, internal-cut key
- How it is cut: Milled groove (not actually laser-cut)
- Reversible: Usually
- Duplicated on: Dedicated laser / track key machine
- Often found on: Cars, vans, some high-security cylinders
- Transponder chip: Often, on car keys
Inside the lock
How does it work?
A track instead of teeth
Rather than lifting pins with sharp teeth, the key's track moves the lock's internal parts - wafers or pins - to precise positions as it is inserted.
Everything lines up
When the track is correct, all the internal parts align and the lock's plug can turn.
A stronger blade
The blade is thicker than a standard key and the code is protected inside the track rather than sitting on exposed edge teeth.
A chip as well, on cars
On vehicles, a transponder chip in the key head must also be recognised by the immobiliser before the engine will start, so the key needs the correct cut and the correct programming.
In the workshop
How is a laser key cut?
Laser keys cannot be copied on a standard key machine. They need a dedicated machine with the right cutter and blank.
Identify the blank
There are many laser key profiles. Car keys are often identified by a profile code, for example HU66 on many Volkswagen-group keys, and we match the blank to the lock.
Mill the track
A small milling cutter removes metal along the track to a precise preset depth. A duplicator uses a tracer on the original key; an 'originator' cuts a new key from its code alone.
Check the cut
The new key is compared with the original or tested in the lock, as the track must be accurate for the lock to turn.
Programme the chip (cars)
After cutting, a car key is paired to the vehicle using diagnostic equipment. This is a separate step from cutting the metal.
Uses
Where you will find it
Cars and vans
High-security door cylinders
Padlocks
Commercial and fleet vehicles
The honest picture
Good to know
Strengths
- A thick, robust blade that resists bending
- Hard to copy without the right machine and blank
- Often reversible
- No exposed edge teeth to wear down
Worth knowing
- Needs a specialist machine, so copies cost more than a standard key
- Car keys also need programming, which adds a step
- Making a spare while you still have a working key is usually simpler and cheaper than replacing a lost one
Security ratings
- As with dimple keys, ratings apply to the lock or vehicle, not the key shape. For door cylinders look for BS EN 1303, TS 007 or Sold Secure marks
F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
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Is a laser key cut with a laser?
No. The name comes from how the key looks. The groove is milled by a precise cutting tool.
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Can you copy a laser key on a normal key machine?
No. A standard edge-cutting machine cannot make the groove. A laser key needs a dedicated machine with the right cutter and blank.
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Do laser car keys need programming?
Many do. If the key contains a transponder chip, it has to be paired to the vehicle after it is cut.
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What is the difference between a laser key and a dimple key?
A laser key has a milled groove along its face; a dimple key has drilled round dimples. They are different keys for different locks, though both need specialist machines.
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