How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys.
The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. mobile car key cutting helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
To create mobile key cutting , a professional could either use 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 a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys, which is employed in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to create the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they require, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are several machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying the tools individually and could be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can use it in the event of an emergency lockout.
It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.