25 Surprising Facts About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements. You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is faster, cheaper, and more practical. Key cutting is a method that involves replicating an original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original in both shape and function. Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the identical design as your current key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys such as car or home security keys. Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly. When you need an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of experts who have received a rigorous education in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services, as they'll be able to provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their home, car or other secure area since it will allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith. A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an imprint. This impression can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original exactly the same size and shape. A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade to the key cutting each notch until the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert. A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys. A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work as well as how precise it is. Most key cutting machines trace the outline of a key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine but it can be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database. There are a few tools that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer more services to customers. Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are often cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for those looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys. car key cutting near me Cutting Costs Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to purchase a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch. If you're considering having your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can save you money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. These machines can create a laser groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores. At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if required and at a fraction as price as you would at a dealer.