How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to get into your car or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is a process that involves duplicating an original key onto an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components that must be programmed properly. These additional components like the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when one is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location because it allows the person to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.
To duplicate a key, a professional can choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine however, it could also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are a variety of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required 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 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 directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It also comes with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well being Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can use it in the event of a lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key cutting price-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to programme it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would spend at a dealership.