How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. key cutting services are the best option to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of shape and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work 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, requiring specialised equipment.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they'll be able to provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when someone is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location because it allows the person to gain entry without the need for locksmith.
Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. 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 of clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys, which is employed in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other kinds of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and 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. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code 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 databases.
There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider variety of services.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for those who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling keys for household use 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 chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to have a spare key, so you have something to go to if you find yourself stuck.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.