How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly 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 having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car key cutting and programming. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more practical.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in shape and function, making it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using a fake.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like car or home security keys.

The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo, and it is changing the way cheap key cutting duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.

Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equally, so look for a reputable company with a committed team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an emergency 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 Cutting services near me can be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.

Another option is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear from the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is used in a few places. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a few machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks at the same time. They are expensive however, they offer a wider range of services.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to if you find yourself in a bind.

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if needed and at a fraction of much as you would pay at a dealer.