The Three Greatest Moments In Car Key Cut History

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective method to avoid costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some time. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in form and function, making it impossible for someone else to unlock your property using an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks usually use keys with the same design as your existing key, however, they also can make copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for home or car security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.

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

When you need an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services, as they will be able to provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if one is locked out of their home, car or other secure area since it will allow them to gain access without requiring the services of a locksmith.

A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed for Get a Car Key Cut different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is 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 sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they need, whether or not they want 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 of their work as well as the accuracy of it.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using the laser or getting a new car key cut code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and are a great investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can use it in the event of a lockout.

It's crucial to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating an alternative car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop your key from working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can cut laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure to find the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car, if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at a dealer.