Car Key Cut: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

How to Get a car key cutting Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best defense against costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major hassle because you're unable get into your vehicle or go to your home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a faster and less expensive process.

Key cutting is a method that involves copying the original key onto an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys, such as car or home security keys.

The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and cost to get a key cut.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.

Key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they can assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which can prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home, car, or other secure location if someone has locked themselves out.

Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed from the other end. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they also allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen is removable and lets users access various keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are lost or taken. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you have something to go to if you find yourself stuck.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cutting involves making a 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 term.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating keys for replacement however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car 24 hour key cutting. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at a dealer.