How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best option to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a process that involves duplicating an original key onto a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to access your property using an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys.
The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they will be able to provide assistance in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves out.
To duplicate a key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade on the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
local key cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is used in a few areas. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.
Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. 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 the database.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.
Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that indicate its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase a spare key, so you have something to go to in case you find yourself in a pinch.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it requires the 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 is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create a laser groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.