Is Your Company Responsible For The Car Key Cut Budget? Twelve Top Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it could be an extremely stressful day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a quicker, less expensive and more convenient procedure.
Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in shape and function and makes it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an imitation.
Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same design as your existing key, however, they can also make copies of more intricate keys such as car or home security keys.
Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is called key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost.
Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.
Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they'll be able to provide assistance in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. car key cutting and programming near me can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another secure location if someone is locked out.
To make a duplicate key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is exactly the same in dimensions and shape to the original.
A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for an expert.
Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys, which is employed in a few areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys.
A key cutting service can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can influence a person's decision are the size and type of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are several machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, but can offer a greater range of services.
A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start a business cutting keys.
Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable 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 integrated accessory tray and LED lights that show its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can access it in the case of an emergency lockout.
It's crucial to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require can help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication is a traditional way of making a spare car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause the key to stop working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.
At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. locksmith key cutting can even help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at the dealership.