20 Myths About Car Key Cut: Busted

How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements. You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your car or home. key cutting open now choose to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both design and function which makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic. Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys. The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and expense involved. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components which must be programmed to work properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly. If you require an extra key, cutting it is a simple and quick method of getting one. However it is recommended to consult a professional. Not all locksmiths are equally, so choose a reputable firm with a committed team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of a lockout accident. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if one is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place since it will allow them to gain access without the assistance of a locksmith. Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is the same size and shape to the original. A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the requirement for an expert. A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The result is keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of test keys. Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. However the service cannot create replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment When a person gets their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work and how accurate it is. Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual however, it could also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database. There are a variety of machines that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They are expensive however they can provide a wider range of services. Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to get into the business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys. Key to reducing Cost Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to have a spare key, so you have something to turn to in the event that you're in a pinch. When you choose to have your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long term. Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop the key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores. AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.