9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Key Cutting Car
Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
A broken or lost spare car key can be a stressful experience especially if replacing it requires that you pay an expensive fee to your local dealership for cars. You can save money if you have your new spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It is an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind for car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology to precisely cut keys to ensure that they function smoothly and don't cause damage to the ignition. This is essential in the event that you require a spare or lost your keys. It takes only some minutes to complete the process, and it could save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a lockout or broken key.
The key-cutting process is dependent on the degree of complexity of the lock as well as the type of key that you require. For example keys that are transponder and smart keys employ encryption to ensure that there is no unauthorized use of the car's keys. In addition they require specific configuration and programming to function properly. When you are re-keying locks or you attempt to create a new key out of an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the duplication process can be more complex.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep a spare. This is especially the case when they move to a new home or want to give copies of the keys to family and friends. Before you try this at home, it's important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to make use of the right equipment and the right techniques for each to ensure a quality key is produced.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle and if it is done incorrectly, it could lead to flawed copies that won't fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. Bring your current working keys to a store offering key duplication services to make sure that your keys are copied correctly. This will allow the associate to match it up with the blank key and trace its contours on a precise key cutting machine onsite.
You can save money for a replacement key at a dealership by bringing your keys to a key-duplication shop. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring their keys for duplication.
Types of Keys
There are many different types of keys on the market, each offering an individual blend of convenience and security. For example Cylinder keys are widely employed in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys however are more secure and are commonly found in traditional structures. Tubular keys also have an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock, often used to secure sheds and bikes.
Modern keys can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting methods. This is typically done by a locksmith, or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
Many of the most well-known car keys today are shaped as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. Smart keys contain an embedded microchip which is programmed to match the particular model and make of car they use. These keys can be programmed and cut at the hands of a locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is advisable to always carry a spare key, especially in areas that have high rates of crime. This is because stealing cars is a frequent and fairly easy criminal activity. However, if you lose the keys to your car, it is important to duplicate them quickly so that you can return to the road and not spend time searching for your vehicle.
A basic key can be duplicated with an ordinary machine. However, more advanced keys require special key cutting equipment and a technician with the necessary knowledge to perform the task. Keys cut with lasers, for example, have an intricate pattern of long valleys, not the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complicated shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key that requires a professional to cut. They are found in newer vehicles and can only by duplicated by a locksmith with the appropriate equipment for programming. This is because they have a microchip in them which needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order to begin.
Tools Used
You'll require a variety of tools to cut keys professionally. They include a key duplication machine, that cuts and duplicates standard keys, as also automotive key cutting keys. You'll require a key decoder that provides measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets and Schlages as well as master keys. Also, you'll need a lockpick set and a tool with a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are designed to be used to manipulate the pins in the lock cylinder to allow you to open the door without damaging the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting machines and each one is best for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires you to manually move the key through the cutter wheels and tracing which is ideal for those who are just beginning or who only need to cut a few keys at each time. Manual double sided key cutting near me machines like the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A machine that is automatic does everything for you. However, it is more expensive than a manual model. The Silca 040 automated machine is the best currently available.
A vice is another essential tool. It is used to hold the key while it is being made. A large vise is perfect for a car, whereas smaller ones are sufficient for a van. A quality vise will last for a long time and it will be much easier to keep your key in place while filing.
You may also want to consider adding a padlock shank into your toolbox. It is used to take padlocks apart using the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set as well as a tube pick to manipulate the pins in the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open with regular keys like those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
Finally, a broken key extractor will allow you to remove an unusable piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is an excellent tool to have and it is available in basic car opening kits or purchase it on its own.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal it's an art that provides security, ease of use and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process requires special tools and software. It should be done by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A wrongly cut key could damage the lock and cause cost-plus repairs or replacement. In addition a key that is not cut correctly may not fit properly and cause future problems.
When choosing a professional to cut your spare car key, it is important to select a professional who uses a high-quality blade and ensures the proper placement of the chip. The blades that are cheaper can produce poorer quality cuts that cause the key to wear out faster and possibly even break inside the lock. It is also important to ensure that the key is made from the correct type of metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips, which could harm the cutting machine used to cut keys or cause the Key Cutting Car to malfunction.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed following the key cutting process. These keys use encryption so that only the correct key can be used to start the car. If you are using an online service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able to program the key correctly.
It is recommended that you have an additional car key for these kinds of vehicles, to ensure that you don't lose the key you have used to put it in the car. This is especially true when your car is shared with other family members. The possession of a spare car key allows each member to have a key chain or lanyard, which will help prevent lockouts by accident and theft of the key.
Review your basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service could save you money on key cutting services near me duplication and replacement. A spare key can be useful if you are running out of fuel or your car's battery fails to. This will let you return to the road quickly without waiting for a tow truck or be stuck outside in the frigid winter.
