How to Get a Car Key Cut

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

You can save money by having your car key cutting and programming keys cut 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 keys at one point, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is a method that involves replicating an original key onto an uncut key, using a specialised 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 the option of a key-cutting station, where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks make use of an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate 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 of the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

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

If you require a spare, key cutting is a quick and easy method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, car keys cut so you must look for a reputable company with a committed team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able help you out in the event of an accident lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that one is locked out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows them to gain access without requiring the services of a locksmith.

To duplicate a key, a professional can choose between the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original.

Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.

Laser cutting is a modern method of cutting keys, which is employed in specific places. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble a serrated blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of keys for tryouts.

A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or locks. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are many different types and some of the factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database.

There are a variety of machines available that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive, but they can also enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying individual tools separately and are an excellent investment for those who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It can also be fitted with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as being cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern car key cutter keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to if you find yourself in a pinch.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. 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 cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making a replacement car key however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. Keys that are cut improperly can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will employ a special machine to duplicate your car key using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you're sure that you get the correct one for car keys cut your car. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.