10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to get into your vehicle or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a quicker and less expensive process.
Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
read more and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys, such as keys for your car or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can 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 also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.
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 turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.
Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types, but some factors that could affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider variety of services.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that show its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It also comes with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep 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 key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it is risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car should you require it, for less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.