How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at an automotive key cutting near me store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith key cutting establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to get into your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

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 identical to the original one in terms of shape and function and makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property with an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key cutting cost. It is called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.

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

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain 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 completed rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they will be able to assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other safe place as it can allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter can then use this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is the same shape and size to the original.

Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This makes it easier to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine will take the key and measure the depth of each 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 also being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are a variety of types, but some factors that could influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.

The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine however, it could also be done using a laser or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a few tools that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater range of services.

Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys, and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well for cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you require can save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it requires an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on both flat sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a variety of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even help you connect it to your car if necessary, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.