Three Greatest Moments In Car Key Cut History
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. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
The cutting of your car's key at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto a blank key, using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both form and function, making it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use keys with the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more intricate keys like keys for home or car security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and get a car key cut locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they'll be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car key cut and programed, home or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a 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 of clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in shape and get a car key Cut size 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, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.
Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However, the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are many different types, but some factors that can influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They are expensive but can offer a greater range of services.
Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It also comes with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well for cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you have something to turn to in case you're in a bind.
It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will save you money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making an extra car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but can be risky when 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 working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specially designed. These machines can cut an optical groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in protecting against theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able that you get the correct one for your car. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.
