How to Get a Car Key Cut

Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.

Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. 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, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more convenient.

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

Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can get an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks usually use keys with the same design as your existing key cut near me open now, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security.

In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.

Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment.

Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also seek out locksmiths that provide emergency key cutting services. They will be able to help you out in the event of a lockout accident.

Key Cutting Techniques

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

A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is the same size and shape to the original.

Another option is to employ a pattern grinder that takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This allows the key to fit into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces a blade on the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present.

Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service cannot create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is essential to select the correct key-cutting machine for someone needs their keys cut. There are many different types, but some factors that could influence a person's choice are the kind of key they require, whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select can also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is.

The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from a database.

There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. These are costly, however they can provide a wider variety of services.

A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen lets users access various keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. 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 as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They have transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It is a good idea to invest in an extra key, so you have something to go to if you find yourself in a pinch.

When you choose to have your car key cut it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need can save you time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, requires an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but could be risky if the key isn't created correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can damage the lock and stop your key from functioning.

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 in any direction. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at protecting against theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.

At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys so you can be sure that you get the correct one for your car. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at dealers.