Why Nobody Cares About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property using an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can get a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or mobile car key cutting keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents 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 place if a person has locked themselves outside.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.
Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain places. Instead of grinding down keys to make the correct dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.
Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are many different types, but some factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual 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 notch on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are also a number of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut car key locksmiths' time by cutting both locks at the same time. They are expensive however they can provide a wider range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and Get A Car Key Cut LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well for cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can use it in the situation of a lockout.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealer.
