The 3 Most Significant Disasters In Car Key Cut History
How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, particularly in the case of only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements.
You can save money by cutting your car keys at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a huge inconvenience because you're unable get into your vehicle or home. Most people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a process that involves duplicating an original key on an uncut key, by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both shape and function, making it impossible for someone else to access your home using a fake.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, however, they also can make copies of more complicated keys like car or home security keys.
The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely 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 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 to work properly. These additional components such as the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring special equipment.
If you require a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However car key cutting price is recommended to consult a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services as they will be able to help 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 original keys and reduce overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
To make a duplicate key, a professional can 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 surface of a piece clear tape. This creates an impression. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a replica of the original that is identical to its size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to fit into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.
A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to a serrated blade, which provides more protection against bump keys and other kinds of test keys.
A key cutting service may 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 is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could affect a person's choice include the type and size of the key, if they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and accuracy of their work.
The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines 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 the database.
There are also a number of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers.
A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are typically cheaper than buying individual tools separately and are a great investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep a spare key so that you can access it in the case of a lockout.
If you're considering having your car keys cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need can help you save money and time in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't created correctly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in either direction. They are commonly called sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can also help you programme it to your car should you require it, for a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.