20 Myths About Car Key Cut: Debunked
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is a process that involves copying the original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of design and function, making it impossible for anyone else to unlock your home using an unauthentic.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys such as keys for your car or home security.
The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting is a method of making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that one is locked out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows them to gain access without the need for a locksmith.
To make a duplicate key, a professional may 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 leaves an imprint. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.
Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are 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 that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. However the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine however, it could also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases.
There are a few machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. he said can be costly however they can make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good option for those looking to start a business of cutting key s.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. It also comes with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as for cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.
If you decide to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods for making keys for replacement however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if required and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealer.