Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
The loss or destruction of a spare car key can be a stressful experience, especially if the replacement requires that you pay an expensive fee to your local dealership for cars. The good part is that you can save money by having your new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It is an art form that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery to precisely cut keys to make sure they work smoothly and do not harm the ignition. This service is crucial when you need an extra key or lost keys. The process takes only a few moments and can help you avoid having to contact a locksmith professional in the event of an emergency lockout.
The process of key cutting is different based on the type of key you require as well as the level of sophistication of the locks. For instance keys that are transponder and smart keys utilize encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car's key. In addition they require specific programming and configuration in order to work properly. When you are re-keying locks or you attempt to create a new key out of an old one that does not have the proper code, the duplicate process could be more difficult.
Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, particularly when they move into a new residence or want to give copies to family and friends members. Before you try this at home, it is important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. It's crucial that you make use of the right equipment and the right techniques for each to ensure a quality key is produced.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle, and when done wrong it could result in flawed copies that won't fit properly or will not even be able to open the lock. Bring your current working keys to a shop that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. A staff member will then match it with the blank of your key and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting machine on the spot.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a duplication shop is that you save money with buying an additional key from a dealership. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by stores that permit customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each type has its own unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance, are simple and widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings and mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and provide more security features. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into the tubular pin tumbler lock, typically used to secure sheds and bikes.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques keys of today can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is usually done by a locksmith, or a dealership with the right key programming equipment.
Some of the most popular car keys today are shaped as remotes, and they don't require turning to start the car. These keys are known as smart keys and they have a microchip in them that is programmed to the specific brand and model of car it will use. They can be programmed and cut at an experienced locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is always advisable to have a spare key for your car, especially if you live in an area that has high crime rates. This is because stealing cars is now a regular and relatively easy criminal enterprise. However, if you've lost your car keys it's important to duplicate them quickly to return to the road and not spend time searching for your vehicle.
While a basic key can be cut using an ordinary machine, more sophisticated keys require special tools and a skilled technician to duplicate them correctly. For instance, laser cut keys feature a pattern of long valleys which replace the usual ridges on older keys. They are harder to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Transponder keys are another type of key which requires a professional to cut. They are a standard feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is because they have a microchip in them which needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to begin.
Tools used
If you're looking to do key cutting professionally, you'll need various tools. This includes key duplication machines, which can cut and duplicate standard keys, as also automotive keys. You'll also require a key decoder that offers measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. In addition, you'll require a lock pick set and long reach tools for unlocking cars. These tools are designed to be used to alter the pins inside a lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines, and each one is suitable for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for locksmiths who are new or mobile who only require cutting one or two keys at the same time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that is automatic can do everything for you, however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 is the most effective automated machine available today.
A vice is a different important tool. It is used to hold the key while it is being formed. A large vise is ideal for a car, and a smaller one is sufficient for vans. A good vise will last for a long time and it will be easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools to think about adding to your toolbox are a padlock shim, which is used to take apart padlocks by putting a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll also require locks with picks and the tubular pick, which are used to manipulate the pins that are in the auto key cutting machine hole of locks. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open with a standard key.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to extract the broken piece of key that has become stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool that is available in the basic set of car opening kits or buy separately.
Safety
It's more than just a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that provides security and ease of mind to the vehicle owner. This process requires specialized tools and software. It should be carried out by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A wrongly cut key car cutting could cause damage to the lock and cause extra costs for repair or replacement. A badly cut key can also cause future problems because it might not fit correctly.
When deciding on a professional to cut your car key spare, it is important to select a professional who employs a top-quality blade and ensures the proper placement of the chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, which can cause the automobile key cutting near me to wear out faster and may even break inside the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chip of low quality, which can damage the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed following the key cutting process. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the correct key is allowed to start the vehicle. If you choose to utilize a home key duplication service, they may not be capable of programming the new key correctly.
It is recommended to have an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, to ensure that you don't lose the key you have used to secure it inside the vehicle. This is particularly true in the case of cars shared with other family members. A spare key allows every family member to have their own lanyard, which helps prevent accidental lockouts or theft of the car key.
Examine your warranty coverage basics or roadside assistance. This could save you money if it is covered. A spare key can also be useful in the event that you have run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery fails to. This will enable you to get back on the road quickly without having to wait for a tow truck, or be stranded in the cold.