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How to Get a Car Key Cut It is costly to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best defense against costly replacements. You can save money by cutting your car keys at an auto retailer like AutoZone instead of an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware establishments offer key duplication and programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at some moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, causing you to be unable to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer having extra keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more convenient. Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This is done to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both shape and function which makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your property with an unauthentic. A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks use a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They can also make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys. Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank piece of. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time. Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control the security of car locks or access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip that is found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment. Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have been through rigorous training to deal with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find a locksmith who offers emergency services. They will be able to 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 tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to a home or car, or any other secure location if someone has locked themselves out. To duplicate a key, a professional could either use the tracing or punch method of duplication. The method of tracing involves heating the tip of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side an uncut piece of tape. This leaves an imprint. A key cutter will use this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in size and shape to the original. Another common method is to use a pattern grinder, that takes the original key and grinds it until a smooth surface remains on one side of the blade. The grooves and notches disappear at the other end. This allows you to insert the key into locks. Finally, a key can be cut with punch machines, which is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. A device then forces a blade down onto the key cutting each notch until the desired depth. These machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys, eliminating the need for an expert to be present. Laser cutting is a newer method of cutting keys that is utilized in a few areas. Instead of grinding keys to make the right dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like the serrated knife and are more resistant to bumps and other types of keys. Key cutting services can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have an embedded chip that communicates with the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to create replacements for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment It is crucial to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of key cutting machines. Some factors that may influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, as well as the amount they want spend. The machine they choose will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work. The majority of key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual however, it could be accomplished using a laser or code. These machines typically require an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases. There are several machines that cut both cylinder and mortice locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can save locksmiths time by cutting both types of locks at the same time. They can be expensive however they also allow you to offer 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 typically less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be a good investment for someone who wants to venture into the business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and provides step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. Ilco states that the machine has an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that show its status. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys including dimple keys. It is also equipped with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well for Cruciform keys. Key to reducing Cost Modern car keys are more than simply a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your car and require specialized cutting machinery. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's always a good idea to have a spare key in case you can access it in the situation of an emergency lockout. If you're considering having your car key cut it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which one you require will help you save money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of creating an extra car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours of a blank key. This method is cheaper than others, but is risky if the key isn't created properly or the key is not of good quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent your key from functioning. Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create an optical groove on the flat side of the key, allowing it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These are often referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective in stopping theft than standard keys. cheap key cutting are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores. AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car key using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you're sure to find the correct one for your car. We can help you program the key to your car if you require it and for a fraction of the cost price as you would at the dealer.