How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your vehicle or home. key cut places near me opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more practical.
Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed properly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.
If you require an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy way to get one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they will be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other safe place because it allows them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.
Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However, the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they require, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually less expensive than buying individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for someone looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to invest in an extra key so that you have something to go to in the event that you find yourself stuck.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they might appear similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.