How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for someone else to access your home using an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the identical design as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for your car or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.
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 additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can help you out in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that one is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location because it allows them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. cutting car key cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual however, it could be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
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 simultaneously. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. car key cutting is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to turn to if you find yourself stuck.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but is risky if the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to programme it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.