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 cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. There aren't all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it can cause a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in design and function and makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property with a fake.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more intricate keys, such as car or home security keys.

The most advanced technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car key cutting near me locks or access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment.

Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency key cutting services as they'll be able to provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that one is locked out of their home, car keys cut by code or any other safe place as it can allow the person to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.

A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another option is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in specific areas. Instead of grinding down the keys to create the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, whether they want an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work and how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of one key to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services.

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

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights to indicate status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. This is why it's always a good idea to have a spare key, so you have something to turn to in the event that you're in a pinch.

When you choose to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear similar, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making an extra car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specially designed. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto key cutting near me dealer.