How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the best option to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your car or home. Many people opt to have spare car key cut keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like home security or car keys.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. It is called key cut places near me-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team 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, since they will be able to provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will 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 grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain places. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual however, it could also be done with a laser or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a few tools which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to venture 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 large 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 indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the situation of a lockout.
When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing which one you require can save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank 24 hour key cutting. This process is cheaper than other methods for making keys for replacement however it could be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car key cutting service if needed and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at dealers.