How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major hassle because you're unable access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more convenient.
Key cutting is a process that involves replicating the original key onto an uncut key, by 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 with an unauthentic.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they also can make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for your car or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.
When you need an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick method of getting one. However, you should always consult an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they will be able to assist in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease overall wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location because it allows them to gain access without the need for locksmith.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be used by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. relevant internet page makes it easier to be fitted into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is used in specific areas. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they need as well as whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. 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 will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive but can offer a greater range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can access it in the case of a lockout.
When you choose to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require will help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating an alternative car key however it could be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it, and at a fraction as price as you would at the dealer.