How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

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

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This can be a major inconvenience, because you're unable get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is faster and cheaper as well as more practical.

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 in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys.

The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. It is 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, have additional components which must be programmed correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.

When you need a spare key, cutting is a quick and easy method to obtain one. However it is recommended to consult an expert. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky surface of an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an impression. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and Cut Car Key grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear from the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then forces an edge down on 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 various keys. This reduces the need for a specialist.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions the 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, as are other types of keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. 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 prefer an electric or automated machine, and the amount they want spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut another one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a few machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer an array of services to customers.

Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access various keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how much to get a car key cut 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 is able to be fitted with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in an extra key, so you have something to go to if you're stuck.

If you're considering having your car keys cutting key cut it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem identical, duplication is the act of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save you time and money over the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are often called sidewinder keys, and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make, and model and 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 perfect one for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if required and at a fraction as price as you would at the dealer.