How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. Most people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is faster and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in shape and function and makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like keys for car keys or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in car keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
automotive key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that one is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location as it can allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.
Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain areas. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like the 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 which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from databases.
There are a few machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they can allow you to offer more services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start an operation that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key so that you have something to go to in the event that you're in a bind.
When you choose to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can even help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.