This Is The Ugly Real Truth Of Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly in the event that you lose only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a huge inconvenience because you're unable access your vehicle or go to your home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to access your property using an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as car keys or home security keys.
The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately 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 drastically reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.
When you need a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However, you should always consult an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, local key cutting should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a house, car, or other secure location if someone is locked out.
A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.
Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade to the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other kinds of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and automobile 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 affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from a database.
There are also a range of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. 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. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle, and they require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to if you're in a pinch.
If you decide to have your car key cut it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to 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, model and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you are sure 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 less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.