How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some point. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to get into your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is a process that involves replicating the original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the identical design as your current key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys such as keys for your car or home security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.

Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home, car, or other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To make a duplicate key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is the same dimensions and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The device forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting car key. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a few tools that cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services.

Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying the tools individually and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, g28carkeys.Co.uk including dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to have an extra key so that you have something to go to in the event that you're in a pinch.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it requires the 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 in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder keys, which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at a dealership.