The Three Greatest Moments In Car Key Cut History
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to access your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating an original key on an uncut key, using a specialised 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 a key-cutting station where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.
In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional may employ either the tracing method 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 a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original.
Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a variety of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly however they can enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and are a great option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen 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 as well as LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. laser key cutting are more costly to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you have something to go to in case you're in a pinch.
When you choose to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require can save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made correctly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able that you get the correct one for your car. We can even help you program it to your vehicle if necessary, at less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.