How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major hassle since you're unable to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of form and function, making it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks usually use keys that have the identical design as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for your car or home security.
The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components which must be programmed in order to function correctly. These other components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services as they can help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to the original keys and decrease overall wear and wear and. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.
To duplicate a key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed from the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can either be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys, which is employed in a few areas. Instead of grinding down keys to get the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.
A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of one key to cut a new one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine, but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They are expensive however they can provide a wider variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to if you're in a pinch.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they might appear similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, 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, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. auto key cutting cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a dealership.