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How to Get a Car Key Cut It can be costly to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. The possession of duplicate keys is the best way to avoid expensive replacements. Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this happens, it can be an absolute hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. The majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is faster, cheaper, and more convenient. Key cutting is a method that involves duplicating an original key onto a blank key, with a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in form and function. Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can have a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks usually use a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, but they also can make copies of more intricate keys such as car or home security keys. The most advanced technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings on the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services work by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost involved. Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to work correctly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly. Key cutting is the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional help when you need one. Don't settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, since they can assist in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when someone is locked out of their home, car or any other secure location as it can allow them to gain entry without the need for a locksmith. A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. When using visit the next document tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original. A pattern grinder is a different common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. In addition, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The device then pushes 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 different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist. A newer form of key cutting technique is also being used in some locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to cut away material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types of keys. Key cutting services are also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. These key fobs have an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or locks. The service is not able to create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when someone needs their keys cut. There are many types of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, whether they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and precision of their work. The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the shape of one key to cut a new one. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It could also be done using a laser or code machine. These machines will typically require 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 which can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are readily available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. These machines can be expensive however they can allow you to offer a wider range of services to customers. Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be an excellent investment for those looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be easy to use. The touchscreen that is removable lets users access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that show its current status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well being cruciform keys. Key to reducing Cost Modern keys for cars are more simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car and require cutting machines that are specialized. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout. When you choose to have your car key cut, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money 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 onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods of making an alternative car key however, it can be risky if the key isn't properly created or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool that is specially designed. These machines can cut an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores. At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, model and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can even help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at the dealership.