How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.
The cutting of your car's key at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. motorcycle key cutting is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key 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 anyone else to unlock your home using an unauthentic.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components which must be programmed to work properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in car keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.
To duplicate a key, a professional may choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is identical in size and shape.
Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. 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. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they can make it possible to offer more services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good option for those looking to venture 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 lets users access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you have something to go to if you're in a bind.
If you decide to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem identical, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even help you program it to your vehicle should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a dealership.