How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to get into your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys like car or home security keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.
Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as they'll be able to help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when one is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place as it can allow them to gain entry without the assistance of a locksmith.
To duplicate a key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, 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 imprint. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The result is keys that resemble the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service cannot 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 essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include 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 will also influence the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they also enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as well for Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. get car key cut contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can access it in the event of a lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but is risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both flat sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if you require it, and at a fraction as price as you would at a dealer.