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How to Get a Car Key Cut

It is costly to replace your car keys, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best method to avoid costly replacements.

Cutting your car keys at an automotive store like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming.

What is Key Cutting?

Everyone loses their keys at some moment. This can be a huge inconvenience because you're unable access your car or home. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more convenient.

Key cutting is a technique that involves replicating an original key on a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original one in terms of shape and function which makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your home using an unauthentic.

Many hardware stores and big box stores offer a key-cutting station where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. The kiosks typically make use of keys with the identical design as your current key, but they can also cut copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for home or car security.

Contrary to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. It is called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs.

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

Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must seek out a reputable business with a committed team of experts who have undergone rigorous training to deal with different locks and locking mechanisms. It's also important to find a locksmith that offers emergency services, as they will be able to assist in the event of an accidental lockout.

Key Cutting Techniques

Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This can prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used when one is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place because it allows the person to gain entry without the assistance of locksmith.

To create a duplicate key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. pop over to this site can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.

A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The device forces a blade onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed for different keys, eliminating the requirement for a specialist to be present.

A newer form of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other types.

Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, that have an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. However, the service isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.

Key Cutting Equipment

It is crucial to select the correct key-cutting machine for a person needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select can also influence the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is.


Most key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a manual machine. It can also be done with the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the key's notch. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.

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

A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are often cheaper than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for anyone who wants to start a business cutting keys.

Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It is also equipped with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys.

Key Cutting Costs

Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are lost or taken. It's always a good idea to have a spare key so that you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout.

If you're considering having your car key cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, duplication is the process of copying a key. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long term.

Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but is risky if the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working.

Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specifically designed. These machines can make a laser groove on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. These keys are also known as sidewinders and are more effective at stopping theft than normal keys. These keys are also more expensive since they are more complicated and difficult to find in hardware stores.

At AutoZone our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to program it to your vehicle should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.

Member since: Friday, October 11, 2024

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