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. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid expensive replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to get into your home or car. Most people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.

Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in shape and function.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy created by skilled workers in getting a new car key cut matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

The most recent technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to function properly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.

Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services as 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 can protect the original keys and decrease overall wear and wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or other secure area since it will allow them to gain access without requiring the services of a locksmith.

To make a duplicate key, a professional can choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is the same size and shape to the original.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until 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.

Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys that is utilized in a few places. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.

A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. However it cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. These machines can be expensive, but they can also 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 less expensive than buying individual tools and are an excellent investment for someone looking to start a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut 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 well for cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you have something to go to if you find yourself stuck.

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

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making an extra car key cutting cost key and it requires the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key cutting service key however, it can be risky when the key isn't correctly constructed or the key blank isn't of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut a laser groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at protecting against theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you're sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can even help you program it to your vehicle should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at the dealership.