How to Get a Car Key Cut

It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. Most people choose to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process.

Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating an original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both design and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using a fake.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting station where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks typically use keys that have the same style as your current key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys like keys for home or online car key cutting security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

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

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a committed team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. You should also seek out a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. This imprint can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original exactly the same size and shape.

Another method is to make use of a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.

Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys that is utilized in specific areas. Instead of grinding the keys to create the proper dimensions, a laser is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that look like an asymmetrical blade, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys.

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

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key 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 car key cutting near me or code. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks at the same time. These tools can be costly however they can enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools required to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and can be a good investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying a key. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating a replacement car key cutter however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if needed and at a fraction of much as you would pay at the dealer.