How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some point. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. can you get car keys cut is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in design and function which makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your home using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like keys for car keys or home security.
The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to 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 been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone is locked out.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.
Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.
A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However it cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour 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 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 several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly however they also enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good option for those looking to venture into the 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 broad range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the event of a lockout.
When you choose to have your car key cut it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making an extra car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making an alternative car key however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specialized. These machines can create a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if needed, and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at a dealer.