How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is a process that involves replicating an original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, like car keys or home security keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so look for a reputable company with a team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they'll be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make 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.
To make a duplicate key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. When using 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 of clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. cost to get a key cut makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However it cannot make replacements for 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 crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It can also be fitted 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 much more than a simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to purchase a spare key, so you have something to go to in case you find yourself in a bind.
If you're considering having your car key cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but is risky if the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even help you programme it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at the dealership.