20 Myths About Car Key Cut Dispelled

How to Get a Car Key Cut
It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware stores offer key duplication and programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it could be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. Most people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is quicker, cheaper, and more convenient.
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 one in terms of shape and function and makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your home using an imitation.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks make use of a blank key that is identical to your current key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, such as home security or car keys.
The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the process of key duplication by reducing costs and time.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. 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, which requires specific equipment.
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. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have been through rigorous training to deal with various locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they can help in the event of an accidental lockout.
Read the Full Document Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe place if a person is locked out.
To duplicate a 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 surface of a piece clear tape. This leaves an imprint. This impression can be used by a key cutter to make a copy of the original identical in size and shape.
A pattern grinder is a different commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to fit into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This means that there is no requirement for an expert.
Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is used in a few locations. Instead of grinding down keys to make the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types.
A key cutting service can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. However, the service cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
When a person gets their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a variety of key cutting machines. A few factors that could affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, whether they want an electric or automatic machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut a new one. This can be done manually or with a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database.
There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive however, they offer a wider variety of services.
Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying tools on their own and could be a good option for those looking to venture into the 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-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that indicate its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It also comes with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well being cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the case of a lockout.
If you decide to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods, but it could be risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop the key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specifically designed. These machines can cut laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. These keys are also more expensive since they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car keys using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can also help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at an auto dealer.