How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating an original key on the blank key by using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to function properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However, the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. url can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from databases.
There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually less expensive than buying the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for those planning to launch an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They have a transponder chip that is programmed to 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 in case you can use it in the situation of a lockout.
When you choose to have your car key cut it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, model, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even assist you to programme it to your car if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.