How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are a great method to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it could be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to access your home or car. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same design as your existing key, however, they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for your car or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car 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 properly.
Key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to the original keys and decrease overall wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.
To create a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original exactly the same size and shape.
Another method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows the key to fit into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the proper dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine however, it could also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a few machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than buying tools on their own and can be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle, and they require special cutting equipment. This means 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 use it in the situation of a lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making an extra car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making keys for replacement however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. get car key cut have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car should you require it, for less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.