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How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be costly to replace, especially when you lose the only one. The possession of duplicate keys is the best way to avoid expensive replacements. Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over going to the dealer. But not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses their keys at some point. This can be a huge inconvenience as you are unable to access your vehicle or go to your home. Many people opt to have spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process. Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original in both shape and function. A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks usually use keys that have the identical design as your current key, but they also can make copies of more intricate keys, such as keys for your car or home security. Unlike traditional key cutting, which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key on a blank key. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and expense involved. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points, contain additional components which must be programmed in order to function properly. 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 be part of, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate properly. Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional help when you need one. Not all locksmiths are equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of an emergency lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease overall wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used in the event that one is locked out of their home, car or other secure area since it will allow the person to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith. To duplicate a key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. When using the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, and then it is pressed against the sticky side of the clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is the same shape and size to the original. A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a flat surface on one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows for easier inserting the key into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut with a punch machine, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade on the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. These machines can either be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for a specialist. Laser cutting is a modern technique for cutting keys, which is employed in specific places. Instead of grinding the keys to the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove material from the side of the key. This results in keys that resemble an asymmetrical blade, which provides more protection against bump keys as well as other kinds of test keys. Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service cannot make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships. Key Cutting Equipment If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that could influence a person's decision include the type of key they need, whether or not they want to use an automated or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work and how accurate it is. The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of a key in order to create a 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 require a code to inform them where to place the notch on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database. There are a variety of machines that are able to cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers. Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools needed to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than buying individual tools and are an excellent investment for those looking to start an operation that cuts keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. get keys cut -inch touchscreen lets users access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its state. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys that include dimple keys. It also comes with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for cruciform keys. Key Cutting Costs Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to work with your car and require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or taken. It's always recommended to keep an extra key in case you can utilize it in the event of an emergency lockout. It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, which is a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, involves using an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours on a blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it is risky if the key isn't created properly or the blank is of poor quality. Keys that are cut improperly can harm the lock's cylinder, and cause your key to stop functioning. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can create laser grooves on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit into the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also referred to as sidewinder and are more effective at preventing theft than regular keys. These keys are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores. AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We have a vast selection of transponder keys so you'll be able to get the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if you require it, and for a fraction of the cost the cost you would pay at dealers.