How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great method to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
click the next page is a technique that involves copying an original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of design and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to access your home using a fake.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like keys for car keys or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a committed team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as they will be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone is locked out.
Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular 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 the key to insert into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade on the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the proper dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done with a laser or code. 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 variety of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks at the same time. These are costly, but can offer a greater range of services.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and are a great option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys as well being cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but can be risky when the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at an auto dealer.