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. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.

Having your mobile car key cutting key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. Most people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This is getting a new car key cut faster and less expensive process.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating an original key on a blank key, by 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, making it impossible for someone else to unlock your property using an imitation.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same style as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more elaborate keys like keys for home or car security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.

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 equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. A Spare Car key cutting key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe place if a person is locked out.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. 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 the clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original that is identical in size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.

Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is used in a few places. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine but it can be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, however, they offer 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 typically cheaper than buying the tools individually and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. This is why it's always a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to go to if you find yourself in a bind.

It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These are commonly called sidewinder key cutting keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if needed, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealer.