How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys like keys for your car or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. key cutting price can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows the key to fit into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to create the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual however, it could also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a few machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They can be expensive however they can allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the event of a lockout.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it can be risky when the key isn't made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both flat 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 at preventing theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to get the right one for your car. We can even help you program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.