25 Surprising Facts About Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.

Having your car key cut at an auto car key Cutting near me shop like AutoZone can 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 one moment, and when that occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to access your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more efficient.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating an original key on the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use a Automotive Key Cutting Near Me blank that has the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for your car or home security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.

Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equally, so choose a reputable firm with a team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location since it will allow them to gain access without the need for a locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is identical in size and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.

Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain places. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However it cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types however, some elements that affect a person's choice include the type of key they need, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.

There are a few tools that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They can be expensive however they can make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get keys cut stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but could be risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure to get the right one for your car. We can even assist you to connect it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a dealership.