How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective method to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some point. This could be a major hassle as you are unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. G28 Car Keys is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in shape and function, making it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. 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 keys for car keys or home security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed properly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so look for a reputable company with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they can provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used when someone is locked out of their home, car or other secure area because it allows them to gain access without requiring the services of locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. 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 impression. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.
A newer form of key cutting technique is being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types.
Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of types, but some factors that influence a person's decision include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.
The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from databases.
There are also a range of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider range of services.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to turn to in case you're stuck.
If you're considering having your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem identical, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it is risky if the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you'll be able to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if required, and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at the dealer.