How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the best option to avoid costly replacements.

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. Most people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is faster and cheaper as well as more convenient.

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 in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the identical design as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more elaborate keys like keys for home or car security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is called key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys, 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 an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services as they can provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. A spare car key cutting key could be used to gain access to your home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

To make a duplicate key, a professional can choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original identical to its size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key cutting price into locks. Keys 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. The machines can be either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is used in specific areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.

Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of types however, some elements that affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric device, and the much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from the database.

There are also a range of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, however, they offer a wider variety of services.

Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than buying individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start an operation that cuts 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 broad range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car, and they require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in the event that you find yourself in a pinch.

When you choose to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cut place near me cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making an extra cheap car key cutting near me key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could 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 create a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you can be sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can also help you connect it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at a dealership.