How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.

You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto key cutting machine retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some time. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your car or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster, cheaper, and more practical.

Key cutting is a technique that involves duplicating the original key onto the blank key by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in both design and function, making it impossible for someone else to access your home using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores provide a key-cutting station where you can get a copy made in minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys like keys for home or car security.

The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank. It's called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the way key duplication services work by reducing costs and time.

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 the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly.

Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used in the event that someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other secure location since it will allow the person to gain entry without the assistance of a locksmith.

A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is the same size and shape to the original.

Another option is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The device then pushes a blade down onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys look like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.

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 car or locks. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car key cutting cost manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they require as well as whether or not they want to use an automatic or electric machine and how much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work and how accurate it is.

Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key in order to create an entirely new key fob cut near me. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a variety of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends 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 a wider range of services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually cheaper than buying tools on their own 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. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated and LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can use it in the situation of a lockout.

It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of creating a spare car key, and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours of the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating keys for replacement, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly made or the key blank isn't high-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 sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a specific cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you can be sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at a dealership.