What NOT To Do During The Car Key Cut Industry

How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements. Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major inconvenience, as you are unable to get into your vehicle or home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a faster and less expensive process. Key cutting is a technique that involves copying an original key on an uncut key, by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both shape and function, making it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property with an imitation. A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers within a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as car keys or home security keys. Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost involved. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to fit into, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly. When you need an extra key, cutting it is a quick and easy method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable firm with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to 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 prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves out. To make a duplicate key, a professional may 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, then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be used by key cutters to create a replica of the original identical in size and shape. Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the original key and grinds it until a flat surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches are removed at the other end. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. In addition, a key can be cut using a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist. A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other kinds of keys. Key cutting services 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. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment It is important to choose the correct key-cutting machine for someone 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 type of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they'd like to spend. The machine they choose will also influence the quality and precision of their work. The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual but it can be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database. There are also a range of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters and can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers. Another alternative is to buy an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for anyone looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. The removable 10-inch touchscreen allows users to access a variety of keys, and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It is equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key. Key to reducing Cost Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the situation of an emergency lockout. If you decide to have your car key cut, it is important to know the distinction between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require can save you money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it is risky if the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specifically designed. This Resource site can create a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in stopping theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores. At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can even help you programme it to your car should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would pay at an auto dealer.