How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car key cutting keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a technique that involves copying the original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both design and function and makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the identical design as your current key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys, such as keys for home or car security.

The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components like the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they'll be able to provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a 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 can be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe location if someone is locked out.

Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for an expert.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut new ones. This can be done by hand Laser key cutting near me or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with a laser or a 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 mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider variety of services.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to invest in a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.

It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will help you save money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it can be risky when the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than regular keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.