How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to get into your home or car. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for your car or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is identical in size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier 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 an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of keys for tryouts.
A key cutting service may also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However it cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are a variety of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These are costly, but can offer a greater range of services.
key cutting services is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying the tools individually and could be a good option for those looking 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 lets users access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well being cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can access it in the event of an emergency lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will help you save money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction as much as you would pay at a dealer.