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How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks usually use keys with the identical design as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more intricate 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 uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components that need to be programmed to work properly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting car keys near me can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To duplicate a key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.

Another method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and 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 a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding 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 the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service may also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automated machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code 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 a few tools that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and could be a good 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. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly 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 use it in the situation of a lockout.

It is important to understand the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can help you save money and time in 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 process is cheaper than other methods of creating keys for replacement however, it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it, and at a fraction of price as you would at the dealer.