How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially 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 cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to access your home or car. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive process.

Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of form and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property using a fake.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and the same as 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 uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they'll be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other safe place as it can allow them to gain access without the assistance of locksmith.

To duplicate a key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service is not able to create replacements 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 crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the size and type of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work and how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for Key Cutting someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to have a spare key, so you have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a bind.

If you decide to have your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require can save you money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making getting keys cut for replacement, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if required and at a fraction as price as you would at a dealer.