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 hefty price at the local car dealership. You will save money if you have your new spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store near you.

What is Key Cutting?

It is an art form that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated equipment to precisely cut keys so that they operate without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This service is crucial in the event that you require an extra key or have lost your keys. This process takes just a few minutes and can save you from needing to call a professional locksmith in the case of an Emergency key cutting lockout.

The process of key cutting is different based on the type of key you require and the sophistication of the locks. For instance transponder keys and smart keys employ encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car's key. In addition to this they require specific programming and configuration in order to work properly. When changing locks, or if you are trying to make an entirely new key from an older one that doesn't have the proper code, the duplicate process can be more complex.

Many people choose to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they move to a new house or want to distribute copies cost to get a key cut family and friends members. Before you decide to try this at your home, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to use the correct machine and the right methods for each to ensure a quality key is created.

Getting your keys copied can be a hassle, and when done improperly, it could lead to incorrect copies that do not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. Bring your current keys to a retailer that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. This will allow the associate to match it up with the key blank and trace its contours onto a precise key cutting machine on site.

Another advantage of bringing your own keys to a key duplication shop is that you can avoid the high prices associated with purchasing a replacement key from a dealer. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by shops that allow customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.

Keys Types

There are many types of keys on the market. Each type offers a unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance, are simple and widely employed in commercial and residential settings and mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and come with more security features. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into the tubular pin tumbler lock, typically used to secure sheds and bikes.

In addition to a variety of cutting methods modern keys can also be programmed to be compatible with specific vehicle systems. This is typically done by a locksmith or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.

Many of the most well-known keys for cars today are designed as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. These are called smart keys. They have a microchip in them that is programmed to the specific brand and model of car they use. They can be programmed and cut by an experienced locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).

It is advisable to always carry a spare key, especially in areas that have high rates of crime. The reason is that car theft has become a common and easy criminal activity. If you have lost your keys, it's best to get them duplicated as soon as you can so that you return to the road and not spend time looking for your car.

While a simple key can be cut with a standard machine, more complex keys require specialized tools and a trained technician to accurately duplicate them. Keys made with lasers, for example, have a pattern that consists of long valleys rather than the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complicated shape.

Transponder keys are another type of key that requires a professional to cut. They are a standard feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith who has the proper programming equipment. This is because they contain a microchip inside that needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start.

Tools Used

If you're looking to do key cutting professionally, you'll require various tools. These include the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates standard keys, as well as keys for cars. 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 lockscrews and a tool that has a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are designed to be used to alter the pins inside the lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without damaging the lock.

There are a variety of key cutting equipment, and each is best for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for locksmiths who are new or mobile who only require cutting one or two keys at a time. Manual key machines such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.

An automatic key machine will do everything for you but it's a little more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the most effective automatic machine currently available.

Another important tool is a vice, which is needed to hold the 24 hour key cutting while it's being filed into shape. A large vise is ideal for a car, whereas smaller ones are adequate for vans. A good quality, beefy vise will last a long time and will make it easier to keep the key in place while filing.

Other tools to consider for your toolbox include padlock shims that is used to break up padlocks by putting a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins in the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using regular keys like those found in cars or some commercial buildings.

A broken key extractor will allow you to extract an unusable piece of a key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is an excellent tool that can be found in the basic set of car opening kits or buy separately.

Safety

Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal, it's an art that ensures security, convenience and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process requires special equipment and software. It should be completed by a reliable locksmith or car dealership. Incorrectly cutting a key could cause damage to the lock, which could result in additional expenses for replacement or repair. Additionally, a poorly cut key could not fit properly and could cause problems in the future.

It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key using an excellent knife and ensure the proper positioning of chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear more quickly and could break within the lock cylinder. It is also important to ensure that the key is made from the correct metal type. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could damage the key-cutting machine or cause your keys to malfunction.

If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed after the key cutting key process. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure only the right key is able to start the vehicle. If you choose to use a home key duplication service, they might not be able to program the new key properly.

It is recommended to have an additional car key for these types of vehicles, to ensure that you don't lose the key you have used to lock it in the vehicle. This is especially true in the event that you share your car with other family members. A spare key allows everyone in the family their personal lanyard. This prevents accidental lockouts or theft of the car key.

Examine your warranty coverage basics and roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. Having a spare key will also be helpful if your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will allow you to get back on the road quickly without waiting for a tow truck, or be stranded in the cold.