How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating an original key on an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of form and function, making it impossible for someone else to access your home using a fake.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like keys for car keys or home security.
The most advanced technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional help when you need one. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so seek out a reputable business with a committed team of skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical in size and shape.
Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear from the other end. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are 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 modern technique for cutting keys that is used in a few locations. Instead of grinding the keys to create the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine however, it could also be done with 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 into the machine manually or downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are often less expensive than buying individual tools and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can utilize it in the case of a lockout.
If you're considering having your car key cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While cheapest key cutting near me may seem like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making keys for replacement however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at stopping theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ 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 key options so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to programme it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at a dealership.