How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to access your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security.



Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and cost.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as 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 properly.

Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so seek out a reputable business with a committed team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can help you out in the event of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other safe place as it can allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional can employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key 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 and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming that is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that influence a person's decision include the type of key they require, whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and the accuracy of it.

http://nutris.net/members/garagefat3/activity/1993948/ cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. https://rooney-meyers-2.mdwrite.net/do-you-know-how-to-explain-can-you-get-car-keys-cut-to-your-mom require a code to tell them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are also a number of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive however they can allow you to offer more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are often cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its current status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well being cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. It is a good idea to purchase a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in case you find yourself stuck.

If you decide to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making an extra car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but could be risky if the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in stopping theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a variety of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at a dealer.