So You ve Bought Car Keys Cutting ... Now What
Car Keys Cutting
The cutting of car keys is designed to give car key cutter owners an extra key in case the original one has been damaged or lost. It requires special equipment and a variety of different keys.
When choosing a company to cut your vehicle keys, it's important to be aware of the key types cutting techniques, methods of cutting and prices.
Key Blanks
The first step in cutting car keys is to select the correct blank. Key blanks are available cut from scratch or cut in advance. Pre-cut keys are generally a bit more expensive because they are ready to use immediately. They are more precise however, since locksmiths have already traced the existing key onto the blank.
No matter what kind of blank key is used, locksmiths will still need to cut grooves and notches into it to match the different kinds of pins or wards used in locks. The various designs of grooves and notches are made using a variety of methods, including disk-type key cutters, pin machines or even the use of a file. A locksmith may also choose to utilize a rotary cutter instead of the pinning or warding machines for quicker, more precise cuts.
The blank will then be tested to make sure that all the bits fit correctly. This is known as "biting" the blank. The bow and shoulders of the key are formed to determine if the key is able to be used with a lock, and if it's the right size. The shape of the bow is often designed to help identify and find keys that can be duplicated.
The majority of key blanks for residential use are made from cylinder-type keys that have notches and grooves for different pin chambers. The Yale pin tumbler was created more than 150 years ago and is the most commonly used. It offers much more security than other locks of the past however it requires a smaller key. Cylindrical keys are used by nearly all locks manufactured, including high-quality padlocks, office supplies locks, automobiles and door locks.
Certain key blanks have distinct imprints that are used to deter duplication. For instance keys with a keyring stamp or a "Do not duplicate". Locksmiths need a specific license to distribute keys that are protected against unauthorised duplication. Other keys are restricted by key manufacturers and are not able to be sold or distributed.
Key Cutting Machines
If you're a locksmith, having the right key cutting machine is essential. These machines let you cut duplicate keys for customers, providing them with an efficient and speedy service. Key cutting machines employ an instrument to trace a key's shape and then cut the key with a knife. These tools can be used to cut various key kinds, including house keys car locks, skeleton keys, and Yale locks.
The best key cutting equipment has multiple attachments to accommodate different types of keys and cuts. This lets you offer a wide range of services to your customers, and will save you time as well as cost on replacement keys. A key cutter rotary is among the most popular types of key cutting machine, as it's capable of producing all kinds of keys. A rotary key maker has two rotating blades that can cut both sides of the key simultaneously making it a powerful and cost-effective tool to use.
There are also electric key cutting machines that use computers to guide the user through the procedure. These machines are ideal for auto locksmiths looking to streamline their business processes by removing the need to manually enter key codes. They're also more durable than their manual counterparts, and can be updated with software updates as they become available.
A key-cutting machine can be programmed to duplicate keys on specific vehicle models. It does this by linking the machine to an online database which contains all the data necessary for creating duplicate keys. This information is stored in the machine's operating system and can be used to cut all of the required cuts for a given model of vehicle in a matter of minutes.
A key cutting machine can be bought as a stand-alone device or it can be integrated with an app for mobile devices which makes it easier to operate. For example, the Futura Pro Auto is an electronic key cutting machine equipped with a tablet that provides step-by-step guidance. The tablet can be tethered or paired with the machine using Wi-Fi. This feature makes it easy to master the use of the machine and allows the user to make new key cuts without needing to replace the jaw assembly.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars require the use of a key fob to lock or unlock doors or to start the engine. Often times the key fob could also have buttons that permit owners to remotely open the trunk, or even open the windows.
The majority of modern car keys are equipped with an RFID transponder that reads the codes stored within it, allowing the car to recognize and communicate with the key fob. The key fob transmits radio signals to a receiver in the car, which uses rolling codes and encryption.
The computer in the car then looks at the signal from the key fob to determine whether the codes match and if they do, the car is then able to unlock or local start the engine. It's therefore important that car owners keep their key fobs maintained.
If you're a car owner and require a spare key cut, you'll need to bring your vehicle's fob to the shop to ensure it's properly programmed. The shop must follow the manufacturer's instructions for programming, which might comprise a specific sequence of button presses and number of key turns on the ignition. These instructions are found in the owner's manual of the vehicle or on the automaker website. These instructions should be followed to the letter to avoid any mistakes.
Some manufacturers offer specialized key fobs that include extra features such as keyless entry, start with a pressing a button, and the ability to "summon" your car from a parking space, similar to Tesla's summon feature. These are typically slightly more expensive than the standard versions however their added functionality could be worth it for some drivers.
If you need a new key fob it's best to get one from a dealer, if possible. Most newer vehicles have fobs that need to be programmed to work with your car. This requires a level of expertise and equipment most locksmiths and dealers do not have. Check your car's warranty or insurance policy to determine if it covers the cost of purchasing a new fob before you purchase one from dealers.
Key Programming
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a process that guarantees security, functionality and peace of mind for car owners. Whether you're making a spare or needing to replace a broken one the process is complicated and requires knowledge, skill and the proper equipment. It is important to know how it works in order to choose the best locksmith for the job.
There are a lot of different kinds of car keys, ranging from traditional metal blanks to key fobs. Most modern keys have an electronic transponder, also known as a remote-control chip that communicates with the vehicle whenever they are used. Auto locksmiths are also able to help to program these keys. These are specially-designed pieces of equipment that read the chip's code and then send it to your vehicle, which will accept it as a valid digital signature. This is similar to the way credit cards work and allows you to begin your car.
Most of the time keys made of metal can be cut by a locksmith at a local hardware store. Modern key fobs, however, are more complicated and require special software to program. Because of this, they're less likely to get copied at your local Home Depot or other hardware stores, and should be handled by an automotive locksmith or dealership parts department.
Special tools allow dealers to identify the ID code of your key directly from the ignition module. They can also extract the PIN code (depending on make) from the modules. The dealer can then use this information to program an alternative key. This is a more complicated method, but will save you money.
Many locksmiths are experts in particular car models and have the tools and technology to perform the job properly. They can also provide you with an entry code for your key to make your new key functional as quickly as is possible. This is an excellent way to avoid paying the full cost of a replacement and to get your key working faster than waiting for the manufacturer to process the request.
