How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating an original key on the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original one in terms of design and function, making it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property with an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components which must be programmed properly. These other components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.

If you require an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However, you should always consult an expert. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a committed team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and Get a Car Key Cut also reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.

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

A pattern grinder is a different common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, Get a Car Key Cut with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is utilized in a few locations. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour 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 inform them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive however they can allow you to offer more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that indicate its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to purchase an extra key so that you have something to go to in case you're 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 like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting car keys is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model, and model and use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can even help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at less than the price that you would pay at the dealership.