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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. The possession of duplicate keys is the best defense against expensive replacements. You can save money by cutting your car keys at a car dealer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses keys at some point, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Most people prefer to have extra keys made rather than changing their locks. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient procedure. Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in form and function, making it impossible for anyone else to access your home using a fake. Many hardware stores and big box stores provide an area for cutting keys where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks usually use keys with the same design as your existing key, but they can also make copies of more intricate keys such as keys for your car or home security. The most recent technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the amount of time and cost. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components which must be programmed correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, requiring specific equipment. When you need a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple method of getting one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of experts who have completed rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths that provide emergency services. key cut service will be able help you out in the event of an emergency lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting permits the making of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease overall wear and wear and. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe location if someone is locked out. A professional can utilize either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. With the 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 impression. This imprint can be used by key cutters to create a copy of the original identical in size and shape. Another method is to employ a pattern grinder which takes the original key and then grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear from the other end. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with a punch machine, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can either be 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 newer method of cutting keys that is utilized in certain locations. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys. Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment It is important to choose 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 type of key they need and whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric machine, and how much money they want to spend. The type of machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work. Most key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from a database. There are a few machines that cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they can enable locksmiths to provide more services to customers. Another alternative is to buy a kit that includes both the cutting machine as well as the tools required to operate it. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good option for those looking to get into the business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting them. Ilco says the machine has an accessory tray that is integrated as well as LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys that include dimples. key cutting services is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key. Key Cutting Costs Modern car keys are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chip that is programmed to your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. They are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always recommended to keep a spare key in case you can access it in the situation of an emergency lockout. It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. While they might appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of creating a spare car key and it involves using an instrument to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky if the key isn't properly constructed or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can cause damage to the lock's cylinder and cause the key to stop working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specially designed. 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 either way and still function. These are often referred to as 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 complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores. At AutoZone, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you're sure to find the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car if needed and at a fraction as much as you would pay at a dealer.