How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
The cutting of your car's key at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.
If you require an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of experts who have completed rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. car keys cut and programmed is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they will be able to provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other secure location if someone is locked out.
To duplicate a key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then forces an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines are 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 also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that resemble a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of tryout keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right 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, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done using a laser or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they also allow you to offer more services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It also comes with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase a spare key, so you have something to go to if you find yourself in a pinch.
If you're considering having your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating keys for replacement however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can make a laser groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than normal 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.
At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your car. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.