How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use a blank key that is identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like home security or car keys.
The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.
When you need a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they can assist in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used when one is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place because it allows them to gain access without the need for locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.
Another method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This makes it easier to insert into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.
Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. key car cutting that can influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they'd like to spend. key cutting car of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done using a laser or code. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and could be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys 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 chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you have something to turn to in the event that you're stuck.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require can save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it could be risky if the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. key cutting services are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if required, and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at dealers.