How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is a faster and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks usually use keys with the same style as your current key, but they also can make copies of more intricate 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. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional 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 they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.
When you need an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy way to get one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that one is locked out of their car, home or other secure area as it can allow them to gain access without requiring the services of locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is the same size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in a few areas. Instead of grinding keys to get the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.
Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that influence a person's decision include the type of key they require, whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need a code 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 a variety of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutter s and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately, and can be an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It also comes with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of a lockout.
When you choose to have your car keys cut , it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, 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 cheaper than other options, but it is risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. They are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you can be sure to get the right one for your car. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if needed and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at the dealer.