How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best defense against expensive replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same design as your existing key, however, they also can make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for your car or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. places to get keys cut near me is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows them to gain entry without the assistance of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is the same dimensions and shape to the original.
Another option is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows the key to insert into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys, which is employed in specific areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of one key to cut another one. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.
There are several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen is removable and lets users access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It is able to be fitted with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money 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 the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making keys for replacement however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure to find the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if required, and at a fraction as much as you would pay at the dealer.