How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both shape and function which makes it impossible for someone else to access your property with a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks typically use keys with the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more elaborate keys like car or home security keys.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car keys cut and programmed lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional 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 fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.

Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used when someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or any other secure location as it can allow the person to gain entry without the assistance of a locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional can 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, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical in size and shape.

Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches are gone from the other end. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is used in certain areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the sides of the cheapest key cutting near me. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models however, some elements that can influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.

Most local key cutting cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a few machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting 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 a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the case of an emergency lockout.

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it is risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key cut place near me-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove 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 referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in protecting against theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if required, and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at the dealer.