How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in form and function and makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.
If you require a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However, you should always consult a professional. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they can help in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make 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 home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to create the correct dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. 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, if they want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a few tools that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users 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 Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys, as well as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get 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.
It's crucial to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making an extra car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. key cuts for cars are commonly referred to as 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 difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if required and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at a dealer.