9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Key Cutting Car
Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be stressful to lose or break a spare key, particularly when you are required to pay a high fee at the local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having the new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is an art that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology for precise shaping keys to ensure that they work without a hitch and won't harm the ignition. This is essential if you need an extra key or lost your keys. This process takes only minutes and could save you from having to call a professional locksmith in the situation of an emergency lockout.
The process of cutting keys is different based on the type of key you require and the level of sophistication of the locks. For example keys that are transponder and smart keys utilize encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car's key. They also require specific configuration and programming to function correctly. When you are re-keying locks or you attempt to create a new key out of an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the key duplicate process could be more complicated.
Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, particularly when they move into a new residence or want to distribute copies to friends and family members. However, it's important to know the difference between cutting and key duplication before you decide to try this at home. It's essential to employ the right machine and the right techniques for each of these to ensure a top quality key is created.
It can be a hassle to duplicate your keys. If it is done incorrectly they may not fit correctly or even open the lock. A great way to make sure your keys are correctly copied is to bring your existing working key to a store which offers key duplication. This will allow an associate to match it with the blank key and trace its contours on the precise key cutting machine on site.
You can also avoid paying a high price for a replacement key at a dealer by taking your keys to a key duplication shop. In addition you can avail of discounts that are offered by stores that permit customers to bring in their keys for duplication.
Types of Keys
There are many types of keys on the market. Each one has its own unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys, for instance are easy to use and widely used in commercial and residential settings Mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and come with more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting techniques. This is usually done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access proper equipment for programming keys.
For example, some of the most popular modern car keys are designed like remotes, and do not need to be turned to start the car. Smart keys have a microchip that is coded for the specific model and type of car they use. These keys can be programmed and cut at the hands of a locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's best to always have an extra key, particularly in areas that have an extremely high rate of crime. The reason is that car theft is now a common and easy criminal activity. If you do lose your car keys it's important to duplicate them as quickly as possible so that you can get back on the road and not waste time trying to find your vehicle.
A basic key can be duplicated using the standard machine. However, more advanced keys require special equipment and a technician with the necessary training to do so. Laser cut keys for instance, have an intricate pattern of long valleys rather than the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Another type of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith who has the proper programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to enable it to start.
Tools Used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. This includes the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates standard keys, as well as automotive keys. You'll require an instrument to decode keys that can provide measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages, as well as master keys. Also, you'll need an lock pick set as well as a long reach tool for unlocking automobiles. These tools are specialized and used to move the pins within the lock cylinder, allowing you to open the door without damaging the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Each is made to work with a specific type of lock. A manual key cutter will require you to manually move the key across the tracing and cutter wheels and is suitable for beginners or mobile car key cutting near me locksmiths who cuts car keys near me need to cut a few keys at each time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that is automated does everything for you, however, it's more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 machine that is automated is the best one currently available.
A second essential tool is a vice which is needed to hold the key in place when it's being filed into shape. A large vise is well for a car while smaller vises will work for vans. A quality vise will last for a long time, and it will be easier to keep your key cutting car in place while filing.
Other tools to consider for your toolbox include padlock shims that can be used to disassemble padlocks by placing an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set as well as an instrument to manipulate the pins that are inside the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are particularly useful for picking locks which are difficult to open using the standard key.
A broken key extractor allows you to extract pieces of a damaged key that has become stuck in the keyhole. This is a great tool that can be found in basic car opening sets or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece it's an art that provides security, ease of use and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. It should be completed by a reliable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock and lead to cost-plus repairs or replacement. A key that is not cut correctly could cause problems in the future because it might not fit correctly.
When deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key it is essential to select one that employs a top-quality blade and ensures the proper placement of the chip. Cheaper blades can result in lower quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear out more quickly and could break inside the lock. It is also important to ensure that the key is made of the correct metal type. Some websites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which could cause damage to the cutting machine used to cut keys or cause the key to malfunction.
After cutting the key should your vehicle have an transponder key or smart key it will require programming. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the right key can be used to start the vehicle. If you are using an online service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able to program the key correctly.
It is recommended that you have an additional car key for these kinds of vehicles, to ensure that you don't lose the original or put it in the car. This is especially important if you share your car with family members. A spare key allows everyone in the family their own lanyard, which helps prevent accidental lockouts or theft of your car key.
Examine your basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service could save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key can be useful in the event that you have run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery fails to. This will let you get car key cut back to the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow-truck or be stranded outside in the cold.