How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience because you're unable access your vehicle or go to your home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is faster, cheaper, and more practical.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function, making it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
When you need an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However, you should always consult a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they can provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.
Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However it cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they want an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and are a great investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as being Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to if you're in a pinch.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but can be risky when the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way and still function. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. car key cutters offer a variety of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at a dealer.