How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it could be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a process that involves copying an original key on a blank key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in design and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks use an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like car keys or home security keys.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically 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 in order to function properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick method of getting one. However, you should always consult a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they'll be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone is locked out.
To create a duplicate key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. With car key cutting and programming tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is the same size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different popular 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. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is utilized in specific areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.
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 can't create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they need, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. car key cutting price select will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut another one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. 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 the database.
There are also a number of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They are expensive however they can provide a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are a great 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. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable 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 accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.
If you're considering having your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are 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 in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating a replacement car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to 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 make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. 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 help you program it to your vehicle if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at the dealership.