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How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key car cutting duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your home or car. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a method that involves copying an original key on an uncut key, by using a special 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 with an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks typically use keys with the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys such as keys for home or car security.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.

Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a committed team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they'll be able to provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home, car, or other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind 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 into locks. A key 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 to the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys.

A key cutting service may create replacement car key cutting keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and mobile car key cutting near me manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types however, some elements that can affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual however, it could also be done with a code or laser machine. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. They can be expensive, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide an array of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying individual tools separately and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to show the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys, including dimples. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can access it in the event of an emergency lockout.

If you're considering having your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a mobile key cutting-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive 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 made 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 sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complex and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can even help you connect it to your car should you require it, for less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.