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How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a faster and less expensive procedure.

Key cutting is a process that involves replicating an original key on a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks use a blank key that is the same as your existing mobile key cutting. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.

The most advanced technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they'll be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is identical in size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and 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 an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is used in specific places. Instead of grinding down keys to make the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

A key cutting service may also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.

There are a few machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has 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 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 simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car, and they require Cutting Key machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you have something to go to in case you're in a bind.

If you decide to have your car keys 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 act of copying a key. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.