10 Apps That Can Help You Manage Your Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some time. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to get into your vehicle or home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more practical.

Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto a blank key, by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for someone else to access your property with an imitation.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks use an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, like keys for car keys or home security.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank 24 hour key cutting. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components like the transponder key cutting near me chip in car keys and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in size and shape to the original.

Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows the key to fit into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine but it can also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a few tools that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and can be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that indicate its status. 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 keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in the event that you're stuck.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. These machines can make an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive because they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car cheap key cutting by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can even assist you to programme it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the dealership.