How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best defense against costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
A lot of 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 typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for your car or home security.
The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy way to get one. However, you should always consult a professional. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person is locked out.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original identical to its size and shape.
Another method is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear from the other end. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade on the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain places. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.
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 lock. However it cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they need, whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It is a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to turn to if you're stuck.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut . Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require can help you save money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other options, but it could be risky if the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can cut 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 in preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction of price as you would at dealers.