How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more efficient.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto a blank key, using a specialised machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and Car Keys Cut the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.

When you need an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease overall wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if someone is locked out of their home, car or other secure area as it can allow the person to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional can either use 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 pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key 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 cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert.

Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain places. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.

Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of types however, some elements that can influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.

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 manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and can be a good option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen that is removable 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 accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys, as for cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in an extra key, so you have something to turn to in case you're in a bind.

It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will help you save money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating an alternative car key however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't high-quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, car keys Cut model, and model and use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key cutting machine key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.