How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they also can make copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for home or car security.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
If you require an extra key, cutting it is a fast and simple method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they'll be able to assist in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person is locked out.
To create a duplicate key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This creates an impression. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is the same dimensions 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 the key easier to insert into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys that is utilized in a few locations. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.
Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks at the same time. G28 Car Keys can be expensive however they also allow you to offer more services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying the tools individually and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys, as well for cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the event of an emergency lockout.
If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of 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, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making a replacement car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in stopping theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.