Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store

The loss or destruction of a spare car key can be a stressful experience especially if replacing it will require an expense to your local car dealership. You can save money if you have your new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.

What is Key Cutting?

It is an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery for accurate shaping of keys to ensure that they function smoothly and don't cause damage to the ignition. This service is vital when you need a spare or lost your keys. It takes just some minutes to complete the process and it could save you the hassle of having to call a locksmith with a lockout or broken key.

The process of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you require as well as the level of sophistication of the locks. For example, transponder keys and smart keys employ encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car's key. In addition to this, these keys require a specific configuration and programming to function properly. When re-keying locks, or when you are trying to make a new key out of an old one that does not have the proper code, the duplicate process could be more complex.

Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they're moving into a new car key cut residence or wish to gift copies to family and friends members. Before you try this at home, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. To ensure that you get a car key cut near me the best quality key, it is essential to make use of the correct equipment and the correct techniques.

Copying your keys can be a hassle and if done improperly it could result in faulty copies that will not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. A good way to ensure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a shop that provides key duplication services. An associate can then match it to the key blank and trace its contours using a precise key-cutting machine on site.

Another advantage of bringing your own keys to a duplication shop is that you can avoid the high costs associated with purchasing a replacement key from a dealer. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by shops who allow customers to bring in their keys to be duplicated.

Types of Keys

There are a variety of keys on the market, each with the perfect balance of convenience and security. Cylinder keys, for example are a simple lock that is widely used in commercial and residential settings Mortice keys are a staple of traditional buildings and offer more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that fit into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are commonly used to secure sheds and bicycles.

Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicles, as well as the various cutting methods. This is usually done by a locksmith or a dealership with the right key programming equipment.

Some of the most popular car keys today are shaped as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. Smart keys are equipped with an embedded microchip that has been programmed for the specific model and make of car they work with. They can be cut and programmed at a qualified locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).

It's best to always have a spare key, especially if your area has a high crime rate. This is because stealing cars has become a common and relatively easy criminal enterprise. If you have lost your keys, you should duplicate them as soon as possible so you can get on the road again and not spend time looking for your car keys cut by code.

While a simple key can be cut by an ordinary machine, more sophisticated keys require special key cutting tools and a skilled technician to properly duplicate them. Keys made with lasers for instance, feature an intricate pattern of long valleys instead of the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.

Another type of key that requires a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are found in modern cars and can only be duplicated by a locksmith who has the right programming equipment. This is due to the fact that they have a microchip in them that must be programmed to the vehicle in order for it to start.

Tools used

If you want to perform key cutting professionally, you'll require several tools. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive ones. You'll require a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages, as well as master keys. Also, you'll need locks and picks as well as an extended reach tool for unlocking cars. These tools are used to alter pins in a lock cylinder to allow you to open doors without breaking the lock.

There are a myriad of key cutting machines for cutting keys. Each is made for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires the user to manually move the key through the cutter wheels and tracing and is suitable for beginners or mobile locksmiths who are only required to cut a few keys at one time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a manual key machine.

A key machine that is automated can do everything for you, however, it's more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 automatic machine is the most effective one currently available.

A vice is a different essential tool. It is used to hold the key while it is being formed. A large vise is ideal for a car, and a smaller one is sufficient for vans. A good vise will last for a long time and it will be easier to keep your key in place while filing.

Other tools to consider for your toolbox include the padlock shim that is used to take apart padlocks by placing an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll also require an lock pick set as well as a tubular pick. Both are used to move the pins in the key hole of the lock. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using regular keys such as those that are found in automobiles or commercial buildings.

Finally, a broken key extractor allows you to remove a broken piece of a key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is an excellent tool to have and it is available in some basic car opening kits or purchase it separately.

Safety

It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that gives security and ease of mind to the vehicle owner. This process involves specialized machinery and software. It should be carried out by an experienced locksmith or car dealership. A cut that is not done correctly could damage the lock and lead to cost-plus repairs or replacement. Additionally, a poorly cut key may not fit properly and could cause problems in the future.

It is essential to select a professional who will cut your spare key with high-end knives and ensure proper placement of the chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear faster and could break within the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure the key is made from the correct kind of metal. Some online sites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which could harm the key cutting machine or cause the key to malfunction.

After cutting the key, should your vehicle have an transponder key or smart key it must be programmed. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the correct key is used to start the car. If you use a service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able program the key correctly.

For these types of vehicles, it is recommended that you have an extra key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially important if you share your car with family members. Having a spare car Van key cutting allows each family member to have a separate lanyard or key chain, which will prevent accidental lockouts and the theft of the key.

Review your warranty coverage basics, insurance or roadside assistance. This can save you money if it is covered. A spare key will also be helpful if your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. This will enable you to return to the road quickly and without waiting for a tow-truck or be trapped outside in the cold.