How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can get a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more elaborate keys like car or home security keys.
automotive key cutting near me for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to work properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an emergency 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 your home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone has locked themselves out.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in size and shape to the original.
Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed from the other end. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. automotive key cutting near me presses a blade to the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However it cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive however they can provide a wider range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the case of a lockout.
If you decide to have your car key cut it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can save you money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is cheaper than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can even help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.