The Reason You Shouldn't Think About Enhancing Your Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best defense against costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your home or car. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has 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 of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a committed team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services as they will be able to assist in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone is locked out of their home, car or other secure area since it will allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is the same shape and size to the original.
Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This allows you to insert the key 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. The machine applies a blade on the key and cuts each notch to 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 kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like an asymmetrical blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.
Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types however, some elements that can influence a person's decision include the type of key they need, whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. car key cut can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider range of services.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and could be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the situation of a lockout.
If you're considering having your car keys 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 while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require can save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making keys for replacement however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't high-quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can cut a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at the dealership.