How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key cutting car?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more practical.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, however, they can also make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for your car or home security.
The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.
Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original 24 hour key cutting and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This allows the key to fit into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs 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, which is usually reserved for dealerships or automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when someone 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, whether they want an electric or automated 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 as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of 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 a code machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from a database.
There are a few machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, however they can provide a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and are a great option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It also comes with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the case of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of making keys for replacement however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the Key Cutting Open Now to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist mobile key cutting near me-cutting machine. These machines can cut a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost to get car key cut that you would spend at an auto dealer.