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How to Get a Car Key Cut It is costly to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best option to avoid costly replacements. Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming. What is key cutting price Cutting? Everybody loses keys at some point, and when this occurs, it can cause 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 completely. This is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient. Key cutting is a process that involves copying the original key onto an uncut key, by using a special machine. This is done to ensure that the new key matches the original in shape and function and makes it impossible for anyone else to access your property using an imitation. Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk that you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also cut copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys. Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank piece of. It is called key-by-photo and it revolutionises the process of key duplication by reducing time and costs. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed in order to function 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, which requires specific equipment. Key cutting can be an excellent way to obtain a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are equally, so choose a reputable firm with a committed team of experts who have been through rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting permits the creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to keys that were originally made and also reduce overall wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves out. A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This leaves an impression. This impression can be used by key cutters to create an exact copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape. A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on 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, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade to the key and cuts each notch to the desired depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for an expert. A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to make the proper dimensions, a laser is used to remove material from the sides of the key. key cut near me open now resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys. A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a vehicle or lock. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming typically reserved for dealerships and car manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment If a person wants to have their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are many different types and some of the factors that can influence a person's decision include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they wish to use an automatic or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The machine they choose can also affect the quality of their work and how accurate it is. Most key cutting machines trace the profile of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from databases. There are a few tools which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. They are expensive but can offer a greater variety of services. A kit that includes the machine along with the tools required to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing individual tools, and can be an excellent investment for those looking to start an enterprise that cuts keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a large variety of keys and offers step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. Ilco states that the machine has an integrated accessory tray as well as LED lights that show its state. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys that include dimples. It can be equipped with clamps that can be used to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key. Key Cutting Cost Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. That's why it's always wise to purchase an extra key, so you'll have something to turn to in the event that you're in a bind. It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear like they are similar, duplication is actually the act of copying a key. Knowing which service you require will save you money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is the more traditional method of making a spare car key and it requires a key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than others, but could be risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut keys can harm 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 sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in 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 our associates will select the correct key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a variety of transponder keys, so you can be sure that you get the correct one for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if required and at a fraction of the cost you would pay at the dealer.