10 Quick Tips About Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to access your home or car. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key on the blank key by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in form and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks typically use keys with the same design as your existing key, but they also can make copies of more complicated keys such as car or home security keys.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accidental 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 when someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain access without the need for a locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. 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 of clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.

Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions using a laser key cutting near me, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that can affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require, whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine 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. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a variety of machines that can cut new car key near me mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cut for car near me cutters and can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These are costly, however they can provide a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for those looking to start a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray 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 equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car key cutting near me, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the event of a lockout.

If you're considering having your car key cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank automobile key cutting near me. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it can be risky when the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a variety of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.