How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function, making it impossible for someone else to access your property with a fake.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as home security or car keys.
The latest technology for key replication makes use of 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 it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they can provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe location if someone is locked out.
To duplicate a key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
Another option is to use 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 from the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in specific places. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.
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 system of a car or lock. However it cannot create replacements for the 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 machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut new ones. auto key cutting machine can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen is removable and lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you have something to go to in the event that you're in a bind.
When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making keys for replacement however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's 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 a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if required and at a fraction as much as you would pay at the dealer.