How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at an auto shop 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?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major hassle as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like home security or car keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, like 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 fit 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 out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting car keys near me can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape 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. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.

A newer type of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to create the correct dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutter cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These are costly, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

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

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It is equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys cut near me now as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a simple 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 costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key so that you have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself stuck.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you money and time in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating an extra car key and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making an alternative car key cutting and programming key however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create 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 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 our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at dealers.