What NOT To Do Within The Car Key Cut Industry

How to Get a Car Key Cut
Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially in the event that you lose only one. Duplicate keys are a great option to avoid costly replacements.
Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in form and function.
Many hardware stores and big box stores offer 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 an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complicated designs, like car keys or home security keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, contain additional components that must be programmed to work properly. These additional components, like the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly.
Key cutting can be a great way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but you should always seek out professional help when you need one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to provide assistance in case of a lockout accident.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which can protect keys that were originally made and also reduce the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside.
To make a duplicate 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 becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter will utilize this imprint to cut away creating a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original.
car key cutting and programming is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade and the grooves and notches are gone on the other side. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. A key can also be cut with a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch to the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This reduces the need for an expert.
Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in a few areas. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys.
Key cutting services are also able to create replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. However it cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming that is often reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could affect a person's choice include the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they select can also affect the quality and precision of their work.
Most key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or with a manual machine however, it could be accomplished using a code or laser machine. These machines typically require 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 few machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer more services to customers.
Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of 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 range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It is equipped with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key.
Key Cutting Cost
Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that is programmed to your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to have a spare key, so you have something to turn to in case you're stuck.
When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the process of copying a key. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long term.
Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it is risky if the key isn't created properly or the key is not of good quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working.
Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder in either way while still functioning. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will choose the right key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car if required and at a fraction of price as you would at dealers.