Tool Review: XToolUSA Key Making System

Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?

A: The Triton key cutting machine is all-in-one for the most part. My previous key cutting machine required a cell phone app to use it, and if I wasn't around, no key cutting was getting done. The Triton has a touchscreen, so it is part of the machine; it's all-inclusive. It saves me time because I don't have to be around, or I don’t need to get employees to download apps on their phones. I've been using it almost primarily as of late and my other one is just kind of collecting dust.

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?

A: It's an unforeseen income. It's caused a noticeable increase in phone calls, repair orders, and profit. There’s an argument to be made that many may have never brought their car here before, but now they have a specific need that we can fill — and now we have them in our shop and a chance to hopefully impress them with the shop.

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?

A: Very little. And the instructions are really, really well done. You set it up and it has you run through a couple of calibrations that are menu-driven. So, you have the manual telling you what to do plus the machine is walking you through it. It's a cakewalk.

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: I find it very, very intuitive. It's all right on the machine. There are diagrams that show you how to line it up to cut the key. If I can do it, I think anybody can do it.

Q: What features did you like?

A: It boots up really fast. It's kind of crazy, but that means a lot. From a cold off, it's booted up and ready to go in a few seconds. Also, you get quite an inventory of keys. When I got into key cutting on my other [machine], I tried to be smart and order the keys. I predicted I would see the most of GM, Ford, Chrysler — I never had the right key. I always had to order a key, or one time, we even ran down to the hardware store to grab a key box. Now with the Nitrous Keys, if I'm doing a backup key or a second key, I usually always have a key here.

Q: How could this tool be improved?

A: I guess I would just say that I don't think the scan tool is quite ready to be the shop flagship yet. Maybe it will become so, but right now it makes a really nice backup.