How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key by using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys with the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys, such as car or home security keys.
The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they'll be able to help 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 also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place as it can allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in certain areas. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they need and whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
This Web page of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need a code 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 databases.
There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer more services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for someone looking to start a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It also comes with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to have an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.
When you choose to have your car key cut it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed, and at a fraction as price as you would at the dealer.