How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a major hassle as you are unable to get into your vehicle or home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive procedure.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting car keys near me kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees 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 with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components that need to be programmed 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 special equipment.

Key cutting can be the best way to get a car key cut near me a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency Key cutting services. They will be able assist you in the event of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which can protect original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe location if someone is locked out.

A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. With the tracing method, one end of the original mobile key cutting is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is the same size and shape to the original.

Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys that is used in certain places. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service may also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they need, whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric device, and the much money they want to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline 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 the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are also a number of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It also comes with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well being cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to if you find yourself in a pinch.

If you decide to have your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare mobile car key cutting key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it can be risky when the key isn't created properly or the key is not of good quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you'll be able that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if you require it and at a fraction of much as you would pay at the dealer.