Car Key Cut: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This could be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same design as your existing key, but they also can make copies of more complicated keys like car or home security keys.
The latest 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 one. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These other components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should seek out a reputable business with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.
To make a duplicate key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys, which is employed in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to create the correct dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. However, the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types, but some factors that influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a variety of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They can be expensive however they can 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 required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the situation of a lockout.
When you choose to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't created correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser get keys cut requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can also help you programme it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.