New And Innovative Concepts That Are Happening With Car Key Cut
How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. A backup key is the best defense against expensive replacements.
The cutting of your car's key at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to access your home or car. A majority of people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is quicker and cheaper as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in design and function, making it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property with an imitation.
Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks typically use keys that have the identical design as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys like car or home security keys.
The most advanced 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 revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip that is found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, which requires specialised equipment.
Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a team of skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith.
To duplicate a key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an impression. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.
Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys, which is employed in certain locations. Instead of grinding keys cut near me now down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they require and whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual, but it can be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.
There are also a range of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they also allow you to offer an array of 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 are a great investment for someone who wants to start a business of cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It also comes with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require special 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 in case you can use it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
If you're considering having your car key cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear identical, duplication is the act of 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 way of making a spare car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it could be risky if the key is not made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specially designed. These machines can cut laser grooves on both sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in stopping theft than regular keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.