How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to access your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of form and function and makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained employee. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the identical design as your current key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for your car or home security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting open now cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.

When you need a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and keys cut you should look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as they will be able to help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves 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.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in a few locations. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides 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 is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

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

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut another one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine but it can also be done using a laser or code. These machines will typically require a code 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 a database.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are often cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for someone looking to start a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It also comes with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the case of an emergency lockout.

If you're considering having your car keys cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making an alternative car key however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specifically designed. These machines can create a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder key cutting keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if required and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at dealers.