Noelia Hughes

How to Get a Car Key Cut

It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some time. This could be a huge inconvenience because you're unable get into your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks entirely. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more practical.

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

Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting station where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a skilled worker. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as keys for car keys or home security.

The most recent technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to function correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment.

Key cutting is a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency key cutting services, since they can provide assistance in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if one is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location as it can allow the person to gain entry without the need for a locksmith.

To duplicate a key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical 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 side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to insert into locks. Keys can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the need for an expert to be present.

A newer kind of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys.

Key cutting services are also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types, but some factors that influence a person's choice are the type of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work.

Most key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from the database.

There are a few machines which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These are costly, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are often cheaper than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for anyone planning to launch a business cutting keys.

The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting cost to get car key cut

Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can use it in the event of a lockout.

It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying a van key cutting. Knowing which service you require will 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, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods of making an alternative car key, but it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't made of high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning.

Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a variety of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car key cutting lowes, if needed and at a fraction of price as you would at dealers.