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How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be expensive to replace, particularly if you lose your only one. Having duplicate keys is the best protection against costly replacements. You can save money by having your car keys cut at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses keys at some time, and when this occurs, it can cause an absolute hiccup in your day, causing you to be unable to get into your home or car. key cut place of people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is faster and cheaper as well as more convenient. Key cutting is the process of creating a key using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in both design and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic. Many hardware stores and big box stores have an area for cutting keys where you can have a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks typically use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more complicated keys like keys for your car or home security. The latest technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. 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 need to be programmed in order to function properly. These other components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some security keys for homes communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require special equipment to duplicate properly. Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an accident lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a house, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside. Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This leaves an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original. A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines. A punch machine is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines are either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for a specialist. A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few places, which is known as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys resemble the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys. Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or lock. The service cannot create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships. Key Cutting Equipment It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that can influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they'd like to spend. The machine they choose can also impact the quality of their work and the accuracy of it. Most key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need a code that tells the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database. There are a few tools that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services. A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for someone planning to launch a business cutting keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy 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 integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps 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 are equipped with a transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they get stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to invest in a spare key, so you have something to go to if you're in a pinch. When you choose to have your car key cut, it's crucial to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem like they are similar, key cutting involves creating a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require can save you money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, involves using the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but can be risky when the key isn't created correctly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can make a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. They are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores. At AutoZone the associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make and model, and then use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if you require it and at a fraction of price as you would at dealers.