How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
The cutting of your car's key at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more practical.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or vehicle, or another safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.
To create a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. 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 a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.
Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. car keys cut and programmed with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it is 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 size and type of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks at the same time. These tools can be costly however they can make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can access it in the event of an emergency lockout.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it is risky if the key isn't created properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at the dealership.