How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against expensive replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some point. This can be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of creating 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 shape and function which makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. getting a car key cut can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like car keys or home security keys.
The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a staff of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place because it allows them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.
Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the need for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions the laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. These tools can be costly, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy 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. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well being cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key so that you can use it in the event of a lockout.
If you're considering having your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't created properly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at a dealer.