Why Nobody Cares About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is faster and cheaper as well as more convenient.
Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to access your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks usually use keys with the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys like car or home security 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 revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in 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 an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However, you should always consult a professional. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if one is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place as it can allow the person to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.
To create a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and 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 forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys, which is employed in a few places. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. key cutting services can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It also comes with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys, as as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to go to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear similar, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. These keys are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if required, and at a fraction of much as you would pay at dealers.