How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both shape and function, making it impossible for anyone else to unlock your home using a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks use an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys.
The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a committed team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used when someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other secure location because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in specific areas. Instead of grinding down keys to get the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.
Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are many different types however, some elements that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they need and whether or not they want to use an automated or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can 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 either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than buying individual tools and are an excellent investment for those looking to start an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It also comes with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well being cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the case of a lockout.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Though continue reading this might seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but could be risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly called 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 complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at the dealership.