20 Myths About Car Key Cut: Dispelled
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major hassle as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the identical design as your current key, but they also can make copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for home or car security.
The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points have additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires special equipment.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an accident 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. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that one is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location since it will allow them to gain entry without the need for locksmith.
Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is utilized in specific locations. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types however, some elements that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they require, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. 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. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for someone planning to launch an operation that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.
If you're considering having your car key cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making an extra car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating an alternative car key, but it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't high-quality. G28 Car Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction as price as you would at the dealer.