How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks usually use keys with the identical design as your current key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for home or car security.
The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
If you require a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Recommended Resource site should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that one is locked out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows them to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The 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 impression. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is identical in size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade to the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like an asymmetrical blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of tryout keys.
A key cutting service may also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that can affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to place 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 variety of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive however they also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with 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 is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to purchase a spare key, so you have something to go to if you're in a bind.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying a key. Knowing automobile keys made near me of service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't 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 device that is specialized. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. 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 since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.
