How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
If you require a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick method of getting one. However, you should always consult an expert. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they will be able to provide assistance in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and. Additionally, a spare can be used when someone 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 create a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to fit into locks. Additionally, auto key cutting can be cut with punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.
Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys, which is employed in certain places. Instead of grinding down keys to make the correct dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of types, but some factors that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. car key cutting price are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly however they can enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than buying individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for those looking to start an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It also comes with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. auto key cutting 's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can access it in the situation of a lockout.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem identical, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating keys for replacement however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. These machines can make a laser groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive 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, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed, and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at dealers.