This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements. Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, because you're unable get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure. Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of design and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your home using a fake. Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same design as your existing key, but they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys, such as keys for your car or home security. Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time. Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment. When you need a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an emergency lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce the overall wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves outside. To make a duplicate key, a professional can either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an impression. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in dimensions and shape to the original. A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier 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 down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines can be electric or manual 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 specific places. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys. Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers. car key cutting cost Cutting Equipment It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work. Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine however, it could also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database. There are also a number of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services. A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying the tools individually and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys. Key Cutting Cost Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the case of a lockout. If you're considering having your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can save you money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores. AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.