How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, because you’re unable access your vehicle or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more efficient.

Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function.

Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks usually use keys that have the identical design as your current key, but they can also make copies of more elaborate keys such as car or home security keys.

The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key cutting places duplication by reducing the cost and time.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they’re designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate correctly.

Key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require it. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team of experts who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they can assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce the overall wear and wear and. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows the person to gain entry without requiring the services of locksmith.

Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black and pressing it against the sticky side of a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original exactly the same size and shape.

Another method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one end of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This allows the key to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade on the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being used in some places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in keys that resemble the serrated blades which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of keys for tryouts.

Key cutting services can create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle’s system. The service cannot create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. The factors that can affect a person’s choice include the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, as well as the amount they’d like to spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as the accuracy of it.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with a laser or code machine. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are often cheaper than purchasing individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an operation that cuts keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Cost

Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. It’s always a good idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout.

If you decide to have your car key cut it’s crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they might appear identical, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require can save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is cheaper than other options, but it could be risky if the key cut place is not made correctly or the key cutting car is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock’s cylinder and cause your key to stop functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they’re more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, model and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys, so you’re sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can also help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at less than the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.