What NOT To Do With The Car Key Cut Industry
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against 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 and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some time. This could be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your car or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more practical.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special 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 that you can get a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the 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 a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However it is recommended to consult a professional. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they can assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.
Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for an expert.
Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is used in specific places. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want 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 the new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine but it can be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks simultaneously. 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 the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately 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, has been designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than a simple 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. recommended site are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the case of an emergency lockout.
If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specialized. These machines can cut a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the dealership.