How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer 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. Most people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more efficient.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, like car keys or home security keys.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.

Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but 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 committed team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they can provide assistance in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location as it can allow them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.

A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical to its size and shape.

Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the correct dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble a serrated blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.

A key cutting service is also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service cannot create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

key cutter Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that can influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive however they can allow you to offer an array of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch an operation that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. That's why it's always wise to have a spare key, so you have something to go to if you're stuck.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making a spare car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it could be risky if the cheap key cutting isn't made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you're sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car, if needed and at a fraction of much as you would pay at a dealer.