This Week's Top Stories About Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more practical.
Key cutting is a method that involves replicating an original key on an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same style as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more complicated keys such as keys for home or car security.
The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. key cutting open now , like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.
If you require an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy way to get one. However it is recommended to consult a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as they can help in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone is locked out of their home, car or other secure area as it can allow them to gain access without the assistance of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is used in specific places. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used 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 and other types of tryout keys.
A key cutting service may also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut another one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a few machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks at the same time. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the tools individually 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 designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well being Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key, so you have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.
It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have 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 service you require will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on both flat 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 due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if required, and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at dealers.