10 Key Cutting Car-Related Meetups You Should Attend
Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be stressful to lose or break a spare key, especially when you are required to pay a hefty price at the local car dealership. You will save money if you have the spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is an art that guarantees security, ease of use, and peace of mind for car owners. It involves using advanced machinery for precise shaping keys to ensure that they work smoothly and do not cause damage to the ignition. This service is vital if you need an extra key or lost your keys. It takes just a few minutes to complete the process, and it will take away the hassle of having to call a locksmith with a locked out or damaged key.
The procedure of cutting keys is different based on the type of key you require and the sophistication of the locks. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones are for instance, which use encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require special configuration and programming to work properly. Key cutting and duplication process is also more difficult when you're trying to re-key locks or when you're trying to cut a new key from an existing one that doesn't have the right code in it.
Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they're moving into a new residence or wish to gift copies to friends and family members. However, it's important to understand the difference between cutting and key duplication before you decide to try this at home. To ensure you get a high-quality key, it is essential to use the correct machine and the correct techniques.
The process of copying your keys can be a hassle and when done incorrectly it could result in faulty copies that will not fit correctly or even allow you to open the lock. Bring your keys that are working to a store offering key duplication to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. An associate will then match it with the blank key and trace its contours using a precise key-cutting machine on the site.
You can also avoid paying high prices for a replacement key at a dealer by sending your keys to a key-duplication shop. In cutting car key to this you can also take advantage of discounts offered by stores that permit customers to bring their keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys on the market. Each provides a distinct combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys, for example, are simple and widely employed in commercial and residential settings, while mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and come with more security features. Tubular keys also have a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into the tubular pin tumbler lock often used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicles, as well as the various cutting techniques. This is typically done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to correct key programming equipment.
Some of the most popular car keys are now designed as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. These are called smart keys. They have a microchip inside them that is coded to the specific make and model of car that it will be used with. They can be programmed and cut by the hands of a locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is always advisable to keep a spare car key especially if you reside in a region with high crime rates. The reason is that car theft has become a relatively frequent and easy crime. If you have lost your keys, you need to duplicate them as soon as you can so that you get on the road again and not spend time searching for your car.
A standard key can be duplicated using the standard machine. However, advanced keys require specialized equipment and technicians with the proper knowledge to perform the task. For example, keys cut with lasers are characterized by long valleys that replace the typical ridges found on older keys and are harder to duplicate due to their complicated shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key that requires a professional to cut. These keys are common in modern cars and can only by duplicated by a locksmith who has the appropriate programming equipment. They are equipped with a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to make it start.
Tools used
If you're planning to perform key cutting professionally, you'll require several tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys, and automotive keys. You'll also need a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. You'll also need a lockpick set and a tool with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are used to alter pins inside the lock cylinder that allow you to open doors without damaging the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Each one is designed specifically for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for those who are just starting out or that only need to cut one or two keys at the same time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key cutter.
A crucial machine that does 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 an additional important tool. It is used to hold the key in place while it is being formed. A large vise is ideal for a car, while a smaller one is sufficient for vans. A quality vise will last for a long time, and it will be much easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools you might consider for your toolbox include padlock shims, which is used to break up padlocks by placing an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll also require a lock pick set and the tubular pick, which can be used to alter the pins in the key hole of locks. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using the standard key like those that are found in cars and commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor will allow you to take out the broken piece of the key that has become jammed in the key hole. This is a great tool to have and it can be found in basic kit for opening cars or buy it on its own.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that offers security and ease of mind to the owner. This process requires special equipment and software. It should be done by a reliable locksmith or car dealership. If you cut the key incorrectly, it could damage the lock, which could result in extra costs for repair or replacement. Additionally, a poorly cut key might not fit correctly and could cause problems in the future.
When deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key, it is important to choose one who utilizes a high-quality blade that ensures that the chip is placed correctly the chip. The blades that are cheaper can produce poorer quality cuts that cause the key to wear out more quickly and may even break inside the lock. It is also essential to ensure that the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could damage the machine that cuts keys or cause keys to malfunction.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed after the cutting process. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the right key is able to start the car. If you are using a service that duplicates keys at home, you may be unable to program the key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, to ensure that you don't lose the original or lock it in the vehicle. This is especially true when your car is shared with other family members. Having a spare car key allows each member to have a key chain or lanyard, which will help prevent lockouts by accident and theft of the key.
Examine your basic warranty coverage or roadside assistance. This could save you money if covered. A spare key can be useful in the event that you are running out of fuel or your vehicle's battery fails to. This will let you return to the road quickly without waiting for a tow truck, or be stranded in the cold.