4 Dirty Little Tips On Car Key Cut And The Car Key Cut Industry
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is faster and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating the original key onto a blank key, using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both form and function and makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property using an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys, such as car or home security keys.
The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is called key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy way to get one. However, you should always consult an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they can assist in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used if someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other secure location since it will allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is the same shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. cutting car key applies a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in specific places. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the correct dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.
A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automated 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 contour of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, however, they offer a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes 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. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. 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 as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the case of an emergency lockout.
If you're considering having your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't made of 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 specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealer.