How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of shape and function and makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your home using an imitation.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed to work properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
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. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone is locked out.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device then pushes a blade to the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting key s, which is employed in certain locations. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service may 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 is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's decision include the type of key they need, whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are a few tools that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These are costly, but can offer a greater range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than buying individual tools and are an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. 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. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well for cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made 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 are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of a lockout.
If you decide to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Click Link that are cut improperly can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if needed, and at a fraction as price as you would at dealers.