How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best option to avoid costly replacements.

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

What is Key Cutting?

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

Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more complicated keys such as keys for your car or home security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components which must be programmed properly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.

If you require a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However, you should always consult an expert. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as they'll be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used when someone is locked out of their car, home or other secure area as it can allow the person to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.

To duplicate a key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

Another method is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.

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

A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut in my area cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new car key cut key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a few tools that cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and can be a good investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the case of an emergency lockout.

It's crucial to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able that you get the correct one for your car. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at the dealer.