5 Laws That Anyone Working In Car Key Cut Should Know

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at a car keys cut by code repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your home or car key cutting near me. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating an original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of shape and function, making it impossible for someone else to access your home using a fake.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like car keys or home security keys.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.

Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they can help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce the overall wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cut place near me cutter can then use this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for an expert.

A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the proper dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require and whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from databases.

There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. 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 to get a key cut

Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you have something to go to in the event that you're in a pinch.

It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making an extra car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making keys for replacement however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at stopping theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car key blade cutting, if you require it, and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at the dealer.