How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. locksmith key cutting is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
The cutting of your car's key at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your car or home. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more practical.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. locksmith key cutting is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of form and function, making it impossible for someone else to access your home using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys, such as car or home security keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.
If you require a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However, you should always consult a professional. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.
To make a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to fit into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.
A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine, but it can also be done using a laser or code. These machines typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.
There are a few machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you have something to go to if you're stuck.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear identical, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can cut a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at stopping theft than standard 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.
At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if required and at a fraction of much as you would pay at dealers.