How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best defense against expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive process.
Key cutting is a method that involves replicating an original key onto a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like car keys or home security keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they will be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe place if a person is locked out.
To duplicate a key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.
Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. key cutting services near me can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.
A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine however, it could also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. cheapest key cutting near me are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself stuck.
If you're considering having your car key cut it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it can be risky when the key isn't created properly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you'll be able that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it, and at a fraction of much as you would pay at a dealer.