Why The Biggest “Myths” About Car Key Cut Could Be A Lie

How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. A backup key is the best way to avoid expensive replacements. Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses their keys at some point. This can be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your vehicle or go to your home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is faster, cheaper, and more practical. Key cutting is a technique that involves copying the original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function. A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can get a copy created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys. The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is called key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and cost. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment. Key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they can help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used if someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other safe place because it allows them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith. Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original. Another method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present. Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is utilized in certain places. Instead of grinding the keys to create the proper dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts. A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work. Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut a new one. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases. There are also a range of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services. Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for someone planning to launch an operation that cuts keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys. Key Cutting Cost Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key so that you have something to go to in the event that you're stuck. It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require can save you money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours of the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating keys for replacement however it could be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop the key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. These machines can make an optical groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores. At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. replacement car key cutting have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure to get the right one for your car. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if required and at a fraction as price as you would at dealers.