10 Apps To Help You Control Your Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a process that involves duplicating an original key onto a blank key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like car keys or home security keys.
The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is called key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
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 in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows them to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. 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 impression. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of tryout keys.
Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they need and whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.
When you choose to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed and at a fraction as price as you would at a dealer.