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 having your car keys cut at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to access your home or car. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in just a few minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for home or car security.

The most recent technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

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

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services as they will be able to help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone is locked out.

A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key cutting open now until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original identical to its size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to fit into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade to the key cutting each notch until the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist.

A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service may create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they need as well as whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a manual machine, but it can also be done with the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for those who cuts car keys near me wants to start a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the event of a lockout.

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cut place cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating an extra car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, which means you can be sure to get the right one for your car. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if you require it and for a fraction of the cost to get car key cut much as you would pay at the dealer.