How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to get into your vehicle or go to your home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is faster, cheaper, and more practical.
Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating an original key onto an uncut 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 an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks usually use keys with the same design as your existing key, however, they can also make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for home or car security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the process 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 properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.
When you need a spare, key cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However, you should always consult a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they'll be able to assist in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease overall wear and tear. car key cutting and programming near me can also be used if someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or other secure area since it will allow them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.
Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.
Another method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then forces an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other kinds of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. However, the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer more services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for those planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can access it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
car key cutting and programming near me is a more traditional way of making an extra car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in protecting against theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, make, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can also help you connect it to your car should you require it, for less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.