How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements.

The cutting of your car's key at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. There aren't all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some point. This could be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to access your car or home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating the original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in design and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with an unauthentic.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees within a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of keys that are blank and the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.

Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control the security of car locks or access points, contain additional components that need to be programmed to function properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This imprint can be utilized by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical to its size and shape.

Another common method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and 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 you to insert the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.

Key Cutting Equipment

When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, whether they prefer an electric or automatic machine, and how much they want spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a mobile key cutting service in order to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are a variety of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They can be expensive however they also allow you to offer more services to customers.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen is removable and lets users access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It is a good idea to have an extra key so that you have something to turn to in the event that you're in a pinch.

If you're considering having your car key cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key, and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it can be risky when the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in either direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates 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 offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at a dealer.