5 Laws That Anyone Working In Car Key Cut Should Know
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major hassle because you're unable access your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys, such as keys for home or car security.
The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. laser key cutting should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can protect original keys and reduce the overall wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone is locked out.
Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
Another method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.
Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require, whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual however, it could also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.
There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.
A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and are a great investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well being Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Though laser key cutting might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key, and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of making keys for replacement however it could be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent your key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specialized. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a variety of transponder key options so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if required and for a fraction of the cost much as you would pay at dealers.