How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more practical.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the identical design as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more intricate keys such as keys for your car or home security.
The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is called 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, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be the best way to get keys cut an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if one is locked out of their home, car or other secure area as it can allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
To make a duplicate key, a professional may choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, 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. This impression can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade to the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in a few locations. Instead of grinding the keys to create the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are many different types, but some factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they need, whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine however, it could also be done with the use of a laser cut car keys near me machine or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are a few machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting 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 along with the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than buying the tools individually and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can access it in the case of an emergency lockout.
If you decide to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut a laser groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.