How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. A backup key is the best defense against costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both shape and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to access your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is 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 to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and expense 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 to function properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. car keys cut near me prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home, car, or other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. With 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. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original identical to its size and shape.
Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of tryout keys.
A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service cannot create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the size and style of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of a lockout.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but could be risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.