The Ugly Truth About Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer nearest key cutting - a knockout post - duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a process that involves replicating the original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in design and function and makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car keys cut by code lock systems or security access points have additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.

Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can help in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location as it can allow them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is 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 on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys and other types of test keys.

Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they need, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are a few machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they can make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for someone looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to if you're in a bind.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get a car key cut near me your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require can help you save money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it is risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend cost to get a key cut be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you're sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at an auto dealer.