What's The Job Market For Car Key Cut Professionals?
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can 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 completely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device then pushes a blade to the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.
A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However it cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut another one. local key cutting can be done by hand or using a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access various keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can access it in the event of an emergency lockout.
If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating keys for replacement however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specialized. 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. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you'll be able that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if required, and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at dealers.