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How to Get a Car Key Cut It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. A backup key is the best way to avoid costly replacements. Cutting your car keys at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this occurs, it could be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to access your home or car. Most people choose to have spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This is faster, cheaper, and more convenient. Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. automotive key cutting near me is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function. Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting station where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complicated designs, such as home security or car keys. Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings on a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services function by significantly reducing the time and expense involved. Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in some home security key communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment. Key cutting can be a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, you should choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting allows for the creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith. To duplicate a key, a professional may employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky side of an uncut piece of tape. This creates an imprint. This impression can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original identical to its size and shape. A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to fit into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines. A punch machine takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines are manual or electric and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist. Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys, which is employed in specific areas. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions the laser is used to remove material from the side of the key. The result is keys that look like the serrated blades that provides greater protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts. A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment If a person wants to have their keys cut, it is important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a variety 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'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 contour of an existing key to create the new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine but it can also be done with a laser or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases. There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. They can be expensive however they also enable locksmiths to provide a wider range of services to customers. A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, was designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an integrated accessory tray and LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys including dimples. It can be equipped with clamps for handling flat household keys and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform keys. Key Cutting Cost Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your vehicle and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. That's why it's always wise to purchase an extra key so that you have something to go to in the event that you're stuck. When you choose to have your car keys cut, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which one you require will save you money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of creating an extra car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than other methods, but it is risky if the key is not made properly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working. Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove 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. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective at 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. AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car keys using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We have a broad selection of transponder key options which means you're certain to find the right one for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car if necessary, at less than the price that you would pay at the dealership.