Begin By Meeting With The Steve Jobs Of The Car Key Cut Industry
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it could be an extremely stressful day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a technique that involves copying an original key on the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in shape and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using a fake.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more complicated keys such as keys for home or car security.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to function properly. These other components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or other secure area since it will allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. 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 impression. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to fit into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys, which is employed in certain areas. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.
Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
key cutting services Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that influence a person's decision include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut another one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine however, it could also be done using a laser or code. These machines will typically need an identifier 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 the database.
There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive but can offer a greater variety of services.
Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually 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. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well for cruciform keys.
Key to reducing Cost
Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the situation of a lockout.
It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem identical, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making a spare car key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from functioning.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make, and model and use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if needed and at a fraction of much as you would pay at dealers.
