5 Laws That Anyone Working In Car Key Cut Should Know

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements.

Having your car key cut at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everybody loses their keys at some time. This could be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in form and function, making it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using an imitation.

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 skilled worker. These kiosks use a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like car keys or home security keys.

The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. It is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the way key duplication services work by reducing time and costs.

Modern electronic keys, like those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to work 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 integrate into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer Emergency key Cutting services, since they can provide assistance in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys, which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To duplicate a key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away creating a copy that is exactly the same in shape and size to the original.

A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Keys can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.

Laser cutting is a newer technique for cutting keys, which is employed in specific locations. Instead of grinding the keys to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys.

A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that connects to the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However, the service cannot make replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the right key-cutting machine when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of types however, some elements that affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose can locksmith cut car keys also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.

There are a few machines that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can allow you to offer more services to customers.

A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are a great investment for someone who wants to get into the business of cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting car key machine designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.

Key to reducing Cost

Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car, and they require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event they get lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can access it in the event of an emergency lockout.

When you choose to have your car keys cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will save you money and time in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it could be risky if the key is not made correctly or the key is not of good quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates use an exclusive machine to duplicate your mobile car key cutting key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you'll be able to find the correct one for your car. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if you require it and at a fraction as much as you would pay at dealers.