Car Key Cut: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

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. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at a car key cutting and programming repair 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 happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is faster, cheaper, and more convenient.

Automotive Key Cutting Near Me cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in form and function and makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys.

In contrast to 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 on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These other 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 correctly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so look for a reputable company with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or other secure area because it allows them to gain access without the assistance of locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.

Another method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.

Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys, which is employed in a few areas. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of tryout keys.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for car key cutting and programming dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types however, some elements that can influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine however, it could also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from the database.

There are a variety of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines can be expensive however they also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying the tools individually and can be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as well being cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long term.

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

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. These machines can make an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you'll be able that you get car key cut the correct one for your car. We can even help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.