15 Best Car Key Cut Bloggers You Should Follow

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done in order 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 made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys like car or home security keys.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.

When you need a spare, key cutting is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.

Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This impression can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical in size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade to the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side 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 are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are many types 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, and the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create the new van key cutting. This can be done manually or using a manual machine but it can be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from databases.

There are also a number of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These are costly, however, they offer a wider range of services.

Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and offers step-by-step 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 status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well being cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get keys cut stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to if you're in a bind.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save you 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 the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it can be risky when the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if required and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealer.