How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, however, they can also cut copies of more intricate keys such as keys for your car or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components that must be programmed properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find 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 can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used 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 the key to insert into locks. car key cutting cost can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is used in certain locations. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are 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 type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the outline of a key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with 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 databases.
There are also a range of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive, but they can also make it possible to offer more services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable 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 a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.
If you're considering having your car key cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear identical, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating a replacement car key however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can also help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.