How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it could be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to access your home or car. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more convenient.
Key cutting is a technique that involves copying an original key onto a blank key, using a specialised machine. local key cutting is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in form and function and makes it impossible for someone else to access your property with an unauthentic.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same style as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more complicated keys like car or home security keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so look for a reputable company with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe location if someone is locked out.
Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is identical in size and shape.
Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of types however, some elements that influence a person's decision include the type of key they need and whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine, but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are also a range of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, however they can provide a wider variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to purchase a spare key, so you have something to go to if you're stuck.
If you're considering having your car keys cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating an extra car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can make laser grooves on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These 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 due to the fact that they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at a dealership.