What Is Car Key Cutting?

Modern car keys aren't cut at a self-service kiosk in the mall. They require specialized sidewinder key cutting equipment and are specifically designed to work in the lock cylinder specific to your car.

Understanding the distinction between car key duplication and cutting your car keys can save you money, time and stress in the near future.

Keys

The process of cutting the car key is to create a new key for the vehicle. It is usually done by a professional because it requires specialized machinery to trace the key's unique profile and make sure it fits in all of the locks correctly. In addition, professionals can usually provide a warranty for the work they do.

In the past keys for cars were simple. Modern technology has made them more complex. A lot of vehicles today use smart keys that have encryption and other security features to prevent theft. These features are designed to make it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or tamper with the key and can aid the owner in keeping the track of who has used their vehicle.

Traditional keys for cars are rectangular and flat shape. They are thinner than the sidewinder keys and have the same cut on both sides. Since they share the identical cut on both sides, these types of keys can fit in locks in any way. These keys can be duplicated using standard key machines that are available in hardware stores.

In the 1990s, laser cut keys were introduced by high-end car manufacturers. The technology was successfully incorporated in a variety of models to stop theft of cars. Laser cut keys are more durable than traditional keys, and also have more carved grooves in their shanks. They are a bit more expensive to produce but they're also more secure.

In order to cut the key with a laser, a locksmith has to first decode the existing key in the shop. The locksmith then adjusts the key cutting machine to match the key's cuts and then cuts the blade. This kind of key is much more complicated to copy, and takes longer time to copy than a regular key. It is imperative that the locksmith uses a manual machine that is of high quality, such as the Silca Futura Auto or Futura Pro or the Framon 2 machine. These machines can also make keys from existing keys, i.e. they can create new keys using an existing motorcycle key cutting that has been cut.

Tools

Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal It's an art that ensures security, functionality and long-term durability. Correctly cut keys ensure that they fit in the lock and won't damage it or the ignition. Whether you need a regular mechanical key or a transponder or smart key professional will make sure that it's cut correctly.

To create a duplicate key the key is placed on the machine's side and aligned by a special cutting tool. This serves as an outline. A blank key is then placed on the opposite side of the machine and aligned to the key guide. This keeps both keys aligned during the duplication. Both keys are then cut simultaneously to produce duplicates that are identical to the original key.

Find key cutters that have multiple jaws that can hold the key. A two-way cutter is the best to duplicate standard key blades, while the 4-way model is ideal for keys that are laser cut. Additionally, local key Cutting if you're making keys for automobiles, such as transponder keys or remote heads make sure there's enough space between the jaws for these styles of keys.

The appropriate tool can aid you in starting the field. A Defu 2A duplicator is an affordable tool that can cut nearly every type of key with the exception of high-security blanks. It is also suitable for use on the move, making it an excellent choice for a beginner who is looking to begin a car key cutting business.

A high-end key cutting machine is costly, but it's worth the investment since it will allow you to originate and cut keys using code, including smart and transponder keys. It's also good for programming and cloning RW4, MBOX, ZBULL and other chip keys. To clone or program high-security chip keys, you'll require a device that can communicate and read the unique identification numbers (VIN) of the vehicle. Choosing the right equipment for your key cutting business can save you time and money in the long term.

Cutting

The key duplicator is a tool that duplicates keys in the same shape as existing keys. The original key is placed on one side of the machine and aligned to the cutting tool. This serves as a template for the new key. The blank key is placed on the opposite side of the machine. A key guide is used to align the two keys as they are being cut. This results in a perfect replica of the key.

While car keys that are standard can be cut using a key cutter, other types of keys require specialized machines. The majority of newer cars come with proximity key fobs or smart key systems that need to be programmed to allow the start of the vehicle. Transponder key cutters are required to cut these keys. They can trace the contours of the key and then program it to the vehicle.

A car key cutter needs to be able to not only cut different types of keys, but also program them to work with the ignition system. There are many models of car key-cutters available on the market. Each has distinct features. The model you choose is based on the type of key you're cutting and how many copies you need simultaneously.

A car key cutter is a useful tool to have in your workshop if you wish to learn how to make keys. You must be aware, however, that key cutting machines come in a variety of high-quality. It is crucial to buy a machine from a reputable manufacturer with a good warranty. It is also important to ensure that the machine is easily replaced or repaired if needed.

There are three kinds of key cutting machines Semi-automatic, manual and automatic. Manual machines require you to manually move keys across the key tracer wheel and cutter wheel. They are easy to operate but require your full concentration. A good option is the JMA Nomad, Silca Flash or the Silca 045. Automated machines are computer controlled and will do everything for you. All you have to do is tell them what to do with the software program that comes with the machine.

Programming

If the key is equipped with a transponder it must be programmed to work with the specific car. The procedure differs between models and makes and models, but generally involves inserting the working key into the ignition and then leaving it for a couple of minutes. Then you insert the new one and leave it for a couple of seconds. This process allows the spare car key cutting to recognize the new key and allows it to start the vehicle. It is also possible to program your keyless entry remote in case you are using a more recent model of vehicle. This requires a sophisticated and expensive device.

Customers are requesting more car key duplication machines in retail stores. They are easy to use and are more precise than manual machines for cutting keys. They also eliminate human errors, making it possible to cut a key accurately and quickly. These machines are ideal for those who have lost or have damaged their keys.

There is also a car key cutter that is specialized in the creation of replacement key fobs for the most recent models of cars. These devices use the same technology as car key duplication machines, but can create up 50 copies at once. Some models come with touchscreens to make it easier to operate. They can also design smart keys that include an RFID chip that allows doors to open automatically.

A car key cutter can duplicate both regular metal keys and transponder keys. Some come with remote heads. A regular key has the same cuts on both sides. A remote head is a combination of a regular key and a fob that includes buttons for locking and unlocking the car.

Modern cars are equipped with a security system that prohibits the use of keys other than the ones supplied by the manufacturer inside the ignition. This system relies upon an electronic chip to communicate with the car's computers. The car will not start if the chip is not programmed correctly. A professional auto locksmith can program a new car key for you in just a few minutes.