How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective method to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it could be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a technique that involves copying the original key onto a blank key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both shape and function and makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks use a blank key that is identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like home security or car keys.
The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is referred to as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed correctly. These other components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
When you need a spare key cutting, key cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.
To make a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key cut place is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different popular 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 makes it easier to fit into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain places. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other kinds of tryout keys.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are also a range of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These machines can be expensive however they can allow you to offer more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately, and can be an excellent investment for someone planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can access it in the situation of a lockout.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making a replacement car key however, it can be risky if the key cutting open now isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if required and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at dealers.