How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property using a fake.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cut place-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.

When you need a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However it is recommended to consult a professional. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce overall wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.

Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder that takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys, which is employed in a few locations. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of tryout keys.

key cutting services, Full Document, can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. They can be expensive, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than buying individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It is a good idea to have an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in case you find yourself in a pinch.

If you're considering having your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more 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 creating keys for replacement, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, make, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.