How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, because you're unable access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks use an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys 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 one. It is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a team of experts who have completed rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used when one is locked out of their car, home or any other secure location because it allows them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used 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 kinds of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many different types however, some elements that affect a person's choice include the type of key they need as well as whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key cutter for cars to create the new key. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are also a number of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are often less expensive than buying individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen is removable and lets users access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It can be equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a simple piece 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 that they are lost or taken. 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.

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

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making a spare 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 could be risky if the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in stopping theft than regular keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and spare model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your car. We can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.