How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to get into your car or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more convenient.
Key cutting is a process that involves replicating an original key on a blank key, by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property using a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks usually use keys with the same style as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for home or car security.
The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.
Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is identical in size and shape.
Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This makes it easier to fit into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key cutting each notch until the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is used in a few areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The result is keys that resemble a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of tryout keys.
A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are many different types and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines typically require codes that tell 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 that cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are typically less expensive than buying individual tools and are an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as for cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the case of an emergency lockout.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making a replacement car key however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. car keys cut and programmed are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder key options so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. key cut places near me can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.