How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to access your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a technique that involves copying an original key on the blank key by using a special machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks use a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like home security or car keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key cutting key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team of experts who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that one is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the end of the mobile key cutting near me until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is used in specific places. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. However it cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that can influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automated or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are several machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good option for those looking to venture into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well for Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
If you're considering having your car key cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require will help you save money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making a replacement car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than normal 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.
At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at dealers.