How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are a great method 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. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. Most people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient 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 form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key cut near me open now quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. This impression can be used by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical in size and shape.

Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows the key to insert into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.

Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However it cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a few machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying the tools individually and are an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting car key keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple getting keys cut. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase a spare key, so you have something to turn to in case you're in a bind.

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require will save you money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but can be risky when the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated 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 utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure 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 the cost to get car key cut you would pay at the dealer.