How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This can be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive process.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating the original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as home security or car keys.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is called key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These other components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate properly.

If you require a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However it is recommended to consult a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location because it allows them to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.

Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are many different types, but some factors that influence a person's choice are the type of key they need, whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, key cutter or it can be downloaded from the database.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive but can offer a greater variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as being Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the situation of a lockout.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is creating a new key cutting locksmith near me from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making an extra car key blade cutting key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but can be risky when the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specially designed. These machines can create an optical groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car keys cut by code if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at the dealership.