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. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some moment. This could be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker and less expensive procedure.

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

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the same style as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more complicated keys, such as keys for your car or home security.

The latest technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys, such as ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they can assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to fit into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in specific places. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions using a laser, key cutting services it is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot create replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they require and whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual, but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from the database.

There are a few tools that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they can allow you to offer an array of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. It 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 is also equipped with optional clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. That's why it's always wise to purchase a spare key, so you have something to turn to if you're in a bind.

It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will help you save money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting car key machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent your key from working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the appropriate blank for your car's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can even help you connect it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.