25 Unexpected Facts About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major hassle because you're unable access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of shape and function, making it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks use an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.
The most recent technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However, you should always consult a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.
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 tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone has locked themselves out.
To duplicate a key, a professional may choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.
Another method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear from the other end. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to create the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with 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 often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and how precise it is.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create the new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are a few machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. key cutting car can be expensive, but they can also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and are a great 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. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys, as well as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in an extra key, so you have something to go to in case you find yourself in a pinch.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than other options, but it can be risky when the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both 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 in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you'll be able to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at the dealership.