How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a process that involves replicating an original key on a blank key, using a specialised 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 the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like home security or car keys.
The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
When you need an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a variety of types, but some factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they need as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine, but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a few tools that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks simultaneously. They can be expensive however they 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 typically less expensive than buying the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for those planning to launch a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can use it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. car key cutting prices have a broad selection of transponder key options so you're sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.