How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against expensive replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer having 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 making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.
The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These other components, such as 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 correctly.
Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as they will be able to help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if one is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place as it can allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
To create a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.
Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of tryout keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types, but some factors that influence a person's choice are the type of key they need and whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from databases.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. G28 Car Keys can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It also comes with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys as well being Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can access it in the case 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 is creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it can be risky when the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at stopping theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.