How To Beat Your Boss Car Key Cut
How to get keys cut a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major hassle because you're unable access your vehicle or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both shape and function and makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property with an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys such as keys for home or car security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if someone is locked out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows the person to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.
To make a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. A local key cutting cutter will make use of this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on 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 machine applies a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
A newer type of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys resemble 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 which feature an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that can affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key cutter to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are also a range of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These are costly, however they can provide a wider variety of services.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to purchase an extra key, so you have something to go to if you're stuck.
If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating an alternative car key however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't made of high-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 (visit this website link) is more advanced and requires a special 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 in any way and still function. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you can be sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the dealership.
