20 Myths About Car Key Cut: Busted

How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective way to avoid expensive 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 a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure.

Key cutting is the process of duplicating a key using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both shape and function and makes it impossible for someone else to access your property using an unauthentic.

A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy made by trained workers in just a few minutes. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the same design as your existing key, but they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for home or car security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is called key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that honda pilot key cutting duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.

Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, and require specialised equipment.

Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. You should also seek out locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able assist you in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare car key cutting key could be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves outside.

To duplicate a key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.

A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove material from the side of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types.

A key cutting service can also create replacement car key cutting 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 isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the right key-cutting machine when someone needs their keys cut. There are many different types and some of the factors that could affect a person's choice include the type of key they need 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 will also affect the quality and precision of their work.

The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are a few machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These tools can be costly however they also allow you 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 less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and are a great option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen is removable and allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its status. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys, including dimples. 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 to reducing Cost

Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they get lost or stolen. It is a good idea to have an extra key so that you'll have something to turn to in case you find yourself in a pinch.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money in the long run.

Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making a spare car key, and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of creating an alternative car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't of high-quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop the key from working.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the auto key cutting machine and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a specific 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 help you program the key to your car, if required and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at the dealer.