How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your home or car. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more efficient.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating an original key on an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of shape and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your home using a fake.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith key cutting. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used when someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other secure location as it can allow them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.

Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is used in a few areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However it cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand 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 a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from the database.

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

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. This is why it's always a good idea to have a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you're stuck.

If you decide to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may 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 your time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating keys for replacement however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car should you require it, for less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.