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How to Get a Car Key Cut It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements. Cutting your car keys at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. But not all hardware stores or locksmith establishments offer key duplication and programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at some time, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This process is faster, cheaper, and more convenient. Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in shape and function, making it impossible for anyone other than you to gain access to your property using an imitation. Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks use keys that are blank and identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like keys for car keys or home security. The most recent technology for key replication makes use of lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is called key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services work by drastically reducing the time and cost involved. Modern electronic keys, like keys used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to integrate into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly. When you need a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However, you should always consult a professional. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate locksmiths who offer emergency services, as they will be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that someone is locked out of their car, home or any other secure location because it allows them to gain access without the need for a locksmith. Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The method of tracing involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This creates an impression. A key cutter can then utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in size and shape to the original. Another method is to use a pattern grinder, which takes the original key and grinds it down until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade, and the grooves and notches are gone at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key and then cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present. Laser cutting is a more recent method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys to create the proper dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to the serrated blades, which provides more protection against bump keys and other types of tryout keys. A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the type and size of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work. Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require a code 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 the database. There are also a number of machines available that can cut both mortice and cylinder locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers. Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine as well as the tools needed to operate it. These kits are typically less expensive than purchasing tools on their own and are a great option for those looking to start a business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access many keys and provides step-bystep instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has 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 including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys. Key Cutting Costs Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your vehicle and require cutting machines that are specialized. They are more costly to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can utilize it in the case of a lockout. It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the service you require will save your time and money in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional method of making a spare car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop your key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specialized. These machines can make a laser groove both on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit into the lock-cylinder in any direction. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective in preventing theft than regular keys. car key cutting near me tend to be more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores. AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. We offer a variety of transponder keys so you're sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car if necessary, at only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.