How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best option to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This process is faster, cheaper, and more practical.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of design and function, making it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property using an unauthentic.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks use an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as home security or car keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires special equipment.
When you need an extra key, cutting it is a fast and simple method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, select key cutting open now with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they'll be able to assist 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 could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone is locked out.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
Another method is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine but it can also be done with 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. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately, and can be an excellent investment for someone who wants to start a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the event of a lockout.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating keys for replacement, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than normal keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed, and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at the dealer.