Why Nobody Cares About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to access your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more practical.
Key cutting is a process that involves copying the original key onto the blank key by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both design and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as home security or car keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
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 like the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.
When you need a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other safe place as it can allow them to gain access without the need for locksmith.
To duplicate a key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by key cutters to create a copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.
Another method is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other kinds of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine however, it could also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks at the same time. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and are a great investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key so that you have something to turn to if you find yourself stuck.
If you decide to have your car key cut it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making keys for replacement, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can create an optical groove on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in protecting against theft than regular keys. getting a car key cut are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it and at a fraction of much as you would pay at the dealer.