How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can 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 their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more convenient.
Key cutting is a process that involves duplicating the original key onto a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more complicated keys like car or home security keys.
The latest 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. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing 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 to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can help in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. 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 imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original that is identical in size and shape.
Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed from the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to create the correct dimensions, a laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or automobile 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 a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine, but it can also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying the tools individually and can be a good investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It also comes with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as Cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the situation 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 similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't created correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can make an optical groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. car keys cut and programmed are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than regular 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.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.