How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some time. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a faster and less expensive process.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in both design and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys cut and programmed near me where you can get a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys such as car or home security keys.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.

If you require a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However, you should always consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if someone is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to fit into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade on the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in certain areas. Instead of grinding the keys to create the right dimensions the laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.

A key cutting service may create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They save a locksmith key cutting time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider range of services.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting 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 large range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. It also comes with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can use it in the event of an emergency lockout.

If you're considering having your car keys 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 one you require will save you money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making keys for replacement however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at stopping theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key cutting locksmith near me blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you can be sure to get the right one for your car. 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.