The Three Greatest Moments In Car Key Cut History
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Having 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 an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.
Key cutting is a process that involves copying the original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of design and function and makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with an unauthentic.
Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use keys that have the same design as your existing key, but they can also cut copies of more intricate keys like keys for your car or home security.
The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to help in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.
To duplicate a key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.
A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.
A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. mobile key cutting require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are several machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These tools can be costly however they also enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for someone looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as 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 able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to have an extra key, so you have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.
It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you need can help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but can be risky when the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specially designed. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. These keys are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it, and at a fraction of price as you would at a dealer.