How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for your car or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed to work properly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.
Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which can protect original keys and reduce the overall 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 outside.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an imprint. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade on the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. key cutting car reduces the need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys, which is employed in a few places. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. key cutting car can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are several machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to invest in a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you're in a bind.
If you're considering having your car keys cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear identical, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. Continued is more affordable than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at stopping theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that 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 wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the dealership.