How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to get into your vehicle or go to your home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is faster, cheaper, and more convenient.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done 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 property using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person is locked out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. Read Homepage tracing method is 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 will use this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is identical in size and shape to the original.
Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is used in a few areas. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.
Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However it cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile 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 the use of a laser machine or code. These machines typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are a few machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These machines 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 another option. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools and are an excellent investment for those planning to launch a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as well for cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of a lockout.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require can save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making keys for replacement however it could be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut a laser groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than regular 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 the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. This Web site offer a wide selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.