How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This could be a major hassle because you're unable get into your cheap car key cutting or home. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more convenient.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in both shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks use keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as home security or car keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These other components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.
When you need a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone is locked out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys, which is employed in a few areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting services cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming often reserved for dealerships and automobile keys made near me manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of types however, some elements that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they need, whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These are costly, but can offer a greater range of services.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for those planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep 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. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as for cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your car key cutting near me and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It is a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself stuck.
When you choose to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it can be risky when the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if needed, and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at dealers.