How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective method to avoid 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 establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it could be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to get into your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating an original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property using an imitation.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys like keys for home or car security.

The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components that need to be programmed correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment.

If you require a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However, you should always consult an expert. Not all locksmiths are equally, so seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an accident 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. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.

Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and automobile 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 models however, some elements that can influence a person's decision include the type of key they require, whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key cutting cost to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a few machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive however they can allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine and the tools required to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and are a great investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can access it in the event of a lockout.

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

Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating an alternative car key however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly created or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut a laser groove both on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car, if needed, and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at the dealer.