20 Myths About Car Key Cut: Busted

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of form and function and makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as home security or car keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.

Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These other components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.

Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Don't settle for any locksmith key cutting. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an emergency 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 tear. A spare key can also be used if one is locked out of their car, home or other secure area since it will allow them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in size and shape to the original.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the proper dimensions the laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of test keys.

Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual however, it could also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to invest in an extra key so that you have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.

If you decide to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will help you save money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating an extra car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating a replacement car key however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can even help you program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would spend at the dealership.