What The 10 Most Stupid Car Key Cut-Related FAILS Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It is costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective method to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both shape and function which makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your home using a fake.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same design as your existing key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security.
The most recent technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by significantly reducing the time and expense involved.
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 a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a committed team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an accident lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when someone is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. click to find out more can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.
Another option is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in certain places. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble an asymmetrical 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 that have an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could affect a person's choice include the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile 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 laser or code. These machines typically require 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 a database.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These are costly, however, they offer a wider range of services.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well being Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key so that you can utilize it in the event of a lockout.
If you decide to have your car key cut it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require will save you money and time in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but can be risky when the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can make a laser groove 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 called sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous 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 of price as you would at the dealer.