How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major hassle because you're unable access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function and makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using an imitation.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used in the event that one is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place as it can allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
To create a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is another 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 it easier to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then forces an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. However it cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create a new key. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying the tools individually and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. G28 is removable and allows users to access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
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 require specialized cutting machinery. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key so that you can use it in the case of a lockout.
If you're considering having 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 whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, 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 of making an alternative car key however it could be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at dealers.