How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of form and function, making it impossible for someone else to access your home using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like home security or car keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed to function properly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However, you should always consult an expert. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have received a rigorous education in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is the same dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However it cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are click here to investigate of types however, some elements that influence a person's choice are the type of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for someone looking to start a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can use it in the case of an emergency lockout.
When you choose to have your car key cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need can help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating an extra car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at protecting against theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at dealers.