"Ask Me Anything": Ten Answers To Your Questions About Car Key Cut

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 best method to avoid costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto key cutting dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to access your home or car. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in design and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property with a fake.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks use an uncut key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, like keys for car keys or home security.

The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. This is known as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the time and expense involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed properly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional help when you need one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can assist you in the event of an emergency 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 tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their home, car or other secure area as it can allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original identical to its size and shape.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys.

A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when a person needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automated machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are also a number of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual local key Cutting cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide variety of keys and offers 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 indicate its state. 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 being Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made 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 that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to purchase an extra key, so you have something to turn to if you're in a pinch.

It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your cheap car key cutting keys cut. While they might appear similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional way of making a spare car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making a replacement car key, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specifically designed. These machines can create a laser groove on both sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model, and model and use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at a dealership.