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How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be costly to replace, especially if you lose your only one. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements. The cutting of your car's key at an auto shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. However, not all hardware stores or locksmith shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this happens, it can be a real hiccup in your day, making it impossible to gain access to your home or car. Many people opt to have spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This process is faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. This is done in order to make sure that the key matches the original both in shape and function. Many hardware stores and big box stores offer an area for cutting keys where you can get a copy made in minutes by a trained employee. These kiosks use an uncut key that is the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys that have more intricate designs, like keys for car keys or home security. The latest technology for key replication utilizes lasers instead of mechanical tools to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and cost. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components that must be programmed to work correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip in vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in a few home security keys, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require specialized equipment to duplicate properly. If you require a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. You should not settle for any locksmith. Instead, choose a reputable firm with a team of experts who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. You should also look for locksmiths that provide emergency services. They can provide assistance in case of an emergency lockout. motorcycle key cutting Cutting Techniques Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used if someone is locked out of their home, car or any other safe place because it allows them to gain entry without requiring the services of a locksmith. Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate the key. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky side the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. Key cutters can utilize this imprint to cut around the original key, creating a copy which is exactly the same in shape and size to the original. 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, with grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to insert into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines, which will take the key and measure the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines can be electric or manual and can be programmed to work with various keys, thus reducing the need for an expert to be present. A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys and other types of test keys. A key cutting service may create replacement keys for electronic key fobs that have 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 normally reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships. Key Cutting Equipment When a person gets their keys cut, it's crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a variety of types and some of the factors that could influence a person's choice are the type of key they need and whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and the accuracy of it. The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the profile of a key in order to cut new ones. This can be done manually or with a manual machine but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to put the key's notch. A code can be entered into the machine manually or downloaded from databases. There are also a range of machines available that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly however they also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers. A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and can be a good option for those looking to venture into the business of cutting keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, has been designed to be easy to use. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys, and provides step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys, including dimple keys. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform keys. Key Cutting Costs Modern car keys are much more than a simple piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which require programming to work with your vehicle, and they 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 purchase an extra key, so you have something to go to if you're in a bind. It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing the service you require will save you time and money over the long run. Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky when the key isn't correctly made or the key blank isn't high-quality. Insufficiently-cut key can harm the lock and prevent the key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting device that is specialized. These machines can make an optical groove on the flat side of the key and permit it to fit inside the lock-cylinder in any direction. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive because they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores. At AutoZone, an associate will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture, and model and use an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your previous car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so you're sure to get the right one for your car. We can even help you program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at only a fraction of the price that you would spend at an auto dealer.