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. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is faster, cheaper, and more efficient.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks are equipped with keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as home security or car keys.

The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.

Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves out.

To make a duplicate key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is identical in size and shape.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key cut place into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are many different types and some of the factors that influence a person's choice are the type of key they need and whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the cheap key cutting's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a few tools that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer more services to customers.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access various keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can access it in the situation of a lockout.

It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making a replacement car key however it could be risky in the event that the key isn't well constructed or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

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

AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you can be sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can even help you programme it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.