How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Most people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the identical design as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place because it allows them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
To make a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. 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 the clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. key cut service are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. That's why it's always wise to invest in a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a bind.
It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. They are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can even help you program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would spend at an auto dealer.