How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against expensive replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some time. This could be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in form and function and makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property with an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.

If you require a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However, you should always consult a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home, car, or other secure location if someone is locked out.

A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. 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 of clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade to the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.

Key cutting services 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 replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine but it can be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place 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 can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying tools on their own and are a great investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in case you're stuck.

If you decide to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key car cutting cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making an extra car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it could be risky if the key is not made correctly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting car cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create a laser groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at dealers.