How to Get a car key cutting service Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some time. This could be a major hassle since you're unable to get into your vehicle or go to your home. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster and less expensive process.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key by using a special machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks usually use keys that have the identical design as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more intricate keys like keys for your car or home security.

The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed properly. These other 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.

Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a team of experts who have completed rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe place if a person is locked out.

A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a 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. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in specific locations. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of test keys.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't make replacement car key cutting keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally 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 key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, whether they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done by hand or using a machine that is manual however, it could be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They are expensive however they can provide a wider range of services.

Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys that include dimples. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

key cutting open now to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores.

At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a variety of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at the dealership.