Car Key Cut: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

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 expensive replacements.

Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.

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

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, like keys for car keys or home security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

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

Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of highly 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 will be able provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house, mobile car key cutting near me, or other safe location if someone is locked out.

Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the motorcycle key cutting near me. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of test keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many types 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 automatic or electric machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of van key cutting cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They are expensive however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for anyone looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern online car key cutting (recent post by Securityholes) keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key so that you can use it in the event of an emergency lockout.

If you're considering having your car key cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure to get the right one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at the dealer.