How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
The cutting of your car's key at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys with the same design as your existing key, however, they also can make copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for your car or home security.
The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is called key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house, car, or other secure location if someone is locked out.
To duplicate a key, a professional may choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.
Another method is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the need for an expert.
A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types.
A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.
key cutting cost of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of one key 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 require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a few machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, however they can provide a wider range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can access it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
When you choose to have your car key cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making a replacement car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.