How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a faster and less expensive process.
get keys cut is a method that involves duplicating an original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as 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 makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they will be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other safe place since it will allow the person to gain entry without the need for locksmith.
To make a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is the same shape and size to the original.
Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This allows the key to fit into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the need for an expert.
Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.
Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, however they can provide a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They have a 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 lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can even assist you to connect it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.