4 Dirty Little Secrets About The Car Key Cut Industry
How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be costly to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid expensive replacements. You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to get into your home or car. The majority of people prefer to have extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of a key using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in shape and function which makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property with an unauthentic. A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate made by trained workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks usually use keys with the same design as your existing key, but they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys like keys for home or car security. The latest technology for key replication utilizes 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 revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing time and costs. Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These additional components, like a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few 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 an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, as they will be able to provide assistance in the event of an accident that causes a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys, which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside. To create a duplicate key, a professional may either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a replica of the original that is exactly the same size and shape. Another option is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it down until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches are removed on the other side. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine applies an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be either manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present. A newer type of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types of keys. A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have 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 that is typically reserved for dealerships and car 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 a variety of types however, some elements that influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work and how accurate it is. Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine, but it can be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to tell them where to place the notch on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases. There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive however they can provide a wider variety of services. Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and are a great option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. key cutter for cars can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key. Key to reducing Cost 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 vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It is a good idea to purchase a spare key, so you'll have something to turn to in case you find yourself stuck. It's important to know the distinction between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money over the long run. Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it can be risky when the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could damage the lock and stop your key from working. Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at preventing theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores. At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a variety of transponder key options so you are sure to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if required and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at dealers.