How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This could be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to get into your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is faster, cheaper, and more practical.
Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto the blank key by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of shape and function and makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can get a copy created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. It is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or any other secure location because it allows the person to gain entry without the need for locksmith.
To create a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
Another method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows the key to insert into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as 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 that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right
key cut service cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they need and whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using a code or
laser key cutting machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. They are expensive however, they offer a wider range of services.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for someone planning to launch a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the event of a lockout.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating a
replacement car key cutting car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create 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 in preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if required and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at dealers.