How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster and less expensive process.
Key cutting locksmith near me cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same style as your current key, but they also can make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for home or car security.
The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function 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 in order to function correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they’re designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.
If you require an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.
To make a duplicate key, a professional may choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.
Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However, the service cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it’s essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that could affect a person’s choice include the type of key cutter they need, whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they’d like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for someone planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you have something to go to if you find yourself in a bind.
It’s important to know 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 new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making a replacement car key however, it can be risky if the key isn’t properly made or the key blank isn’t high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock’s cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser car key cutting service near me grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in protecting against theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
AutoZone’s associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car’s year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car key blade cutting if needed, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealer.