15 Of The Top Car Key Cut Bloggers You Must Follow

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best defense against expensive replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major hassle because you're unable access your vehicle or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in form and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property with an imitation.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more intricate keys such as keys for your car or home security.

The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.

If you require a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an emergency 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. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone has locked themselves out.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape 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 side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and vehicle then cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.

A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car key cut and programed manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the size and vehicle style of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from the database.

There are several machines which 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 are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and are a great option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well being Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it can be risky when the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a vast 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 should you require it, for less than the price that you would pay at the dealership.