"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. A backup key is the best defense against costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys, such as car or home security keys.
Unlike 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 known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should seek out a reputable business with a team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location since it will allow them to gain entry without the assistance of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut around creating a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original.
Another option is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade on the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is utilized in a few areas. Instead of grinding keys to make the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However, the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a variety 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 with the same machine. They are expensive however they can provide a wider variety of services.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and are a great option for those looking to venture into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It also comes with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well for cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself stuck.
If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making a spare car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of making keys for replacement, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If car keys cut and programmed is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specially designed. These machines can cut an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We have a vast 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 required and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at dealers.