How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in design and function, making it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for home or car security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original 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 significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or other secure area because it allows them to gain access without the assistance of locksmith.
To create a duplicate key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in dimensions 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 flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key cutting each notch until the desired 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.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in a few places. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.
Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. car keys cut and programmed that can influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from the database.
There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and can be a good option for those looking to get into the 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 many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require can save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. These machines can make a laser groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. 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 a dealership.