How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a method that involves replicating an original key on an uncut key, by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for someone else to access your property using a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, like home security or car keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, laser Key cutting the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These other components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.

If you require a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However it is recommended to consult a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, as they will be able to 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 can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location since it will allow the person to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys, which is employed in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service may create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. 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, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work and how accurate it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine but it can also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, however they can provide a wider range of services.

Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. 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 key.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more simply 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 costly to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to invest in an extra key, so you have something to go to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.

When you choose to have your car key cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, Laser Key Cutting key cutting is creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating keys for replacement however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at a dealer.