How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly 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 an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your home or car. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in design and function, making it impossible for anyone else to access your property using a fake.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same design as your existing key, however, they can also make copies of more complicated keys, such as car or home security keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or other secure area because it allows the person to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.
Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder that takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade on 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 different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is used in a few locations. Instead of grinding the keys to create the proper dimensions, a laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The automotive key cutting near me fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of one key to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer getting a new car key cut wider variety of services.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for those who wants to start a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range 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 more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase a spare car key cut key, so you have something to turn to if you find yourself in a pinch.
It's crucial to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but could be risky if the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to programme it to your car if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the dealership.