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How to Get a Car Key Cut It can be costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly 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 shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses their keys at some point. This could be a huge inconvenience since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This process is faster, cheaper, and more practical. Key cutting is the process of creating the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property with an imitation. Many hardware stores and big box stores have a key-cutting station where you can get copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks typically use keys with the identical design as your current key, however, they also can make copies of more elaborate keys, such as keys for home or car security. Unlike traditional key cutting, which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost. 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 a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly. Key cutting can be the best way to get an extra key quickly and easily, but it is important to seek professional assistance when you require one. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable business with a staff of professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It is also essential to find a locksmith that offers emergency services as they will be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which can prevent damage to original keys and reduce overall wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used when someone has locked themselves out of their car, home or any other safe place as it can allow them to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith. A professional can use either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The tracing method involves heating the tip of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut it away, making a copy that is identical in dimensions and shape to the original. A pattern grinder is another common method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one side, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to fit into locks. Keys can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The device then pushes a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. The machines can be electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with a variety of keys. This reduces the need for a specialist. A newer type of key cutting technique is also being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding the keys down to the right dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the side of the key. The keys look like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types. A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However it cannot make replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming often reserved for dealerships and automobile manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's decision include the type of key they need, whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they choose can also influence the quality of their work and how accurate it is. The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create a 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 require a code to inform them where to place the key's notch. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases. There are a few tools that cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are available and can cut locksmiths' time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. These are costly, however, they offer a wider variety of services. A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to venture into the business of cutting keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be simple to use. mobile key cutting that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys and provides step-by-step directions for duplicates and cutting them. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It can be equipped with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key. Key Cutting Costs Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have transponder chips that need to be programmed to work with your car and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more expensive to replace in the event they are lost or taken. That's why it's always wise to invest in a spare key, so you have something to turn to in case you find yourself stuck. When you choose to have your car key cut it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require can help you save money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires the key-cutting machine to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but can be risky when the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working. Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can cut an optical groove on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way, and still function. These are often called sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores. At AutoZone, an associate will choose the right key blank for your year, make and model, and then utilize a specific cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We have a variety of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even assist you to connect it to your car should you require it, for only a fraction of the price that you would pay at a dealership.