What NOT To Do In The Car Key Cut Industry

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major hassle as you are unable to get into your car or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of creating 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 and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like car keys or home security keys.

The most advanced technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed to work properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a committed team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone is locked out of their car key cutting cost, home or other secure area since it will allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape 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 end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade to the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the correct dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types.

A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are many different types, Get a car key cut but some factors that can affect a person's choice include the type of key they need as well as whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine however, it could also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying tools on their own and are a great investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It is able to be fitted with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money 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 onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can cut an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the dealership.