How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major hassle as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. Most people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in shape and function and makes it impossible for someone else to access your property with an imitation.

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

The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and key cutting machine expense involved.

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

When you need an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick way to get one. However, you should always consult an expert. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they can assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or vehicle, or another safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To duplicate a key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original identical to its size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

A newer type of mobile key cutting service cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that resemble the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys.

Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However it cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine, but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated and 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 and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Costs

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

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare mobile car key cutting near me key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making keys for replacement however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.

laser cut car keys near me mobile key cutting cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specifically designed. These machines can cut a laser key cutting groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at an auto dealer.