How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your vehicle or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a process that involves replicating an original key on the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape 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 workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as home security or car key cutting service keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles 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 quick and easy way to get one. However, you should always consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they can assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

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

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. 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 impression. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.

Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This allows the key to fit into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then forces an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions the laser key cutting near me is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they need and whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a few tools that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for someone planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you're in a bind.

It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat sides of the key cutting car, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder key cutting near me keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.