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 method to avoid costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.

Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks are equipped with an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.

If you require a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However, you should always consult a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for a locksmith who cuts car keys near me offers emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and reduce the overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car key cutting or any other secure location because it allows them to gain access without requiring the services of a locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional could choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then forces an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines can either be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is utilized in a few places. Instead of grinding keys to make the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However it cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car keys cut and programmed manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision include the type and size of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and are a great option for those looking to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that show its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you have something to go to in case you're in a bind.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply 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 more traditional method of creating an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but is risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting car keys near me machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both flat sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that 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 utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.