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. Duplicate keys are a great method to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating an original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of shape and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for home or car security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe place if a person is locked out.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is the same size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However, the service cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they need as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. cutting car keys near me reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are a great option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep a spare key so that you can use it in the case of a lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.