How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great method to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks usually use keys with the identical design as your current key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys such as car or home security keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed to function properly. These additional components like the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used when someone is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place since it will allow the person to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be used by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical in size and shape.
Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the correct dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.
Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are many different types and some of the factors that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they need and whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for someone planning to launch a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as well for Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle, and they require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you have something to turn to in the event that you're in a bind.
If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but is risky if the key is not made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser cost to get a key cut is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the perfect 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 spend at the dealership.