How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This can be a major hassle as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a faster and less expensive process.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more intricate keys like keys for your car or home security.
The most recent technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, 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 a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is the same size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are get keys cut of models however, some elements that can influence a person's decision include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to invest in an extra key, so you have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.
When you choose to have your car key cut it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem identical, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it is risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specially designed. These machines can cut laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a broad selection of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even help you programme it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.