7 Simple Changes That'll Make The Difference With Your Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive process.

key cut service  is a method that involves replicating an original key onto an uncut key, with a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original one in terms of shape and function, making it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting station where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.

Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services, since 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 tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.

To make a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat 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 using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys.

Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. However it cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that can influence a person's choice are 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'd like to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine however, it could also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.

There are a few machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive but can offer a greater range of services.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and are a great option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. It also comes with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are 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. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the event of an emergency lockout.

When you choose to have your car key cut it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key however it could be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't high-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 specifically designed. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than regular keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive 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 key options, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. 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 spend at the dealership.