How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.

You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your home or car. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks completely. This process is faster, cheaper, and more convenient.

Key cutting is a process that involves copying an original key onto a blank key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks use keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They can also make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.

The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like keys 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, such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment.

If you require a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick way to get one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. You should not settle for laser key cutting any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone is locked out.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.

Another option is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device then pushes an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the requirement for an expert.

Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys that is used in a few areas. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However it cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, whether they want an electric or automatic machine, and the amount they want spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work as well as how precise it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from the database.

There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines are expensive, however, they offer a wider range of services.

A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are an excellent investment for those planning to launch an operation that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray 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 can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing cost to get car key cut

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

If you decide to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making a replacement car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on both flat sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.