How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a huge inconvenience because you're unable access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is a process that involves copying an original key onto an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both design and function and makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your home using a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to function properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However, you should always consult a professional. Not all locksmiths are equally, so look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as they'll be able to provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.
Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
key cutting cost cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines typically require a code 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 databases.
There are a few machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good option for those looking to venture into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the case of an emergency lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specially designed. These machines can make a laser groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. They are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.