25 Surprising Facts About Car Key Cut

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best defense against costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car key blade cutting keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to access your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in shape and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your home using a fake.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a 24 hour key cutting-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys with the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for home or car security.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost.

Modern electronic keys that control cheap car key cutting lock systems or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. These other components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.

When you need a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However, you should always consult a professional. Not all locksmiths are created to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

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

To create a duplicate key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another method is to use a pattern grinder, that 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 it easier to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the correct dimensions using a laser car key cutting near me, it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.

A key cutting service may also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service cannot create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automated machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create the new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine however, it could also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are also a range of machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for those who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to indicate 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 optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.

It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem identical, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting car machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it is risky if the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the Key cut service and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.