How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great method to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your vehicle or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a process that involves copying an original key on an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both 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. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.
The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, 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 imprint can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is used in a few areas. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However it cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine but it can be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for someone planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the case of an emergency lockout.
It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. laser key cutting near me have a broad selection of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if required, and at a fraction as price as you would at the dealer.