How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to access your car or home. Most people prefer to have additional keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a technique that involves copying the original key onto the blank key with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

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

The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components which must be programmed to work properly. These other components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.

When you need a spare, key cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However, you should always consult an expert. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves out.

A professional can use 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, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.

Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for an expert.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys that is utilized in specific areas. Instead of grinding down keys to get the proper dimensions the laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of types, but some factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they require, whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine but it can be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines are expensive, but can offer a greater variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is a good idea to have a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in case you're in a pinch.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for Key Cutting Services cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of creating keys for replacement, but it can be risky in the event that the key isn't well created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. A poorly cut key could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.

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

At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. 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 program it to your vehicle if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.