How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at a car key cutting price repair shop like AutoZone can 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?

Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your car or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a process that involves copying an original key on an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks usually use keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys like keys for home or car security.

The most recent technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.

When you need a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should seek out a reputable business with a team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.

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

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key cutting places until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for an expert.

A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are also a range of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can access it in the situation of a lockout.

It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem like they are similar, Key Car Cutting cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require will save you money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating an alternative car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your automotive key cutting near me to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specifically designed. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at stopping theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, make, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you'll be able that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if needed, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealer.