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 a great 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 keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is faster, cheaper, and more convenient.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. key cut place near me is done to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks usually use keys that have the same style as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.
If you require a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However, you should always consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.
To duplicate a key, a professional may choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade on the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the need for an expert.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able of creating 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 that is usually reserved for dealerships or 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 variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the size and style of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. key cut place near me can also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from a database.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider range of services.
Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and can be a good option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to invest in a spare key, so you have something to turn to in case you find yourself in a pinch.
If you're considering having your car keys cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating an alternative car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specialized. These machines can create laser grooves on both flat sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if you require it and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at dealers.