"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Car Key Cut
From Shiapedia
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive key cutting retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto key cutting dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer auto key cutting duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more convenient.
Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys such as keys for home or car security.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equal, and you should seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if 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 locksmith.
To duplicate a key, a professional may choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which is able to take the mobile key cutting near me and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade to the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in a few places. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car key cutting and programming manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut a new one. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from the database.
There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These machines can be expensive however they can enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It is equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can access it in the case of an emergency lockout.
When you choose to have your car key cut it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it is risky if the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, 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 price as you would at dealers.
