How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best protection against expensive replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major hassle because you're unable access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating the original key onto a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both form and function, making it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. 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, such as car keys or home security keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
If you require an extra key, cutting it is a fast and simple way to get one. However, key cutting open now should always consult an expert. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a committed team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they will be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is used in specific areas. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like 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. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally 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 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 want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. They can be expensive, but they can also make it possible to offer more services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than buying the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for someone who wants to start a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. replacement car key cutting is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It also comes with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the case of a lockout.
When you choose to have your car key cut it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will save you money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key however it could be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. replacement car key cutting can cut an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a variety of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.