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 in the event that you lose only one. A backup key is the best protection against expensive replacements.
Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. 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 since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is a method that involves replicating an original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
key cutting open now and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as home security or car keys.
The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.
Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which can protect original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.
To create a duplicate key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns 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 identical in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you 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 an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. The service cannot create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision 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 as well as how precise it is.
laser key cutting of key cutting machines operate by tracing the shape of one key to cut another one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are a few tools which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These are costly, however, they offer a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It is a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to go to if you're in a bind.
It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating a replacement car key however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make 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 are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can even help you programme it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at the dealership.