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 method to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
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 access your car or home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both design and function and makes it impossible for anyone else to access your property using a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which 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 referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components which must be programmed correctly. These other components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can either be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding down auto key cutting machine to make the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.
Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types, but some factors that influence a person's decision include the type of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut another one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches 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 available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services.
Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately 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, is designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the situation of a lockout.
It's crucial to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but is risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can cut a laser groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the perfect 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 dealers.