4 Dirty Little Secrets About The Car Key Cut Industry

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.

Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some point. This could be a huge inconvenience because you're unable access your vehicle or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the identical design as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more intricate keys such as car keys cutting near me or home security keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems, or get a car Key cut security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and Get a Car Key Cut reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To create a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade to the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service 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 is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many different types, but some factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they require, whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine, but it can also be done with 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 entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from databases.

There are also a number of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they can make it possible to offer more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and can be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut car keys keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.