How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to access your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like keys for car keys or home security.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.
When you need a spare, key cutting is a quick and easy way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Not all locksmiths are equally, so choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. key cutting open now will be able provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves out.
To duplicate a key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This creates an impression. This imprint can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to 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 a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have 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 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 many different types and some of the factors that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they require and whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide 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 usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating a spare car key and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making an alternative car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to 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 an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than standard 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, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make, and model and use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if needed, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at dealers.