How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating an original key on a blank key, using a specialised machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like keys for car keys or home security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which 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. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed properly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires special equipment.

When you need an extra key cutting locksmith near me, cutting it is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However, you should always consult an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is getting a key cut near me method of making of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To create a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is the same size and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in a few locations. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of tryout keys.

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

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. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where places to get keys cut near me place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to have a spare automobile key cutting near me, so you have something to go to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing which service you require can help you save money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able to get the right one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction as price as you would at the dealer.