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How to Get a Car Key Cut It's expensive to replace the keys to your car, especially when it's the only one you have. A backup key is the best protection against costly replacements. Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone will save you money over the dealership. Not all hardware or locksmith shops provide key duplication and programming. What is Key Cutting? Everyone loses their keys at some time. This can be a major hassle because you're unable get into your vehicle or go to your home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is faster, cheaper, and more practical. Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of the key using a specially-designed machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key matches the original in both shape and function. Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is exactly like your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, such as car keys or home security keys. In contrast to traditional key cutting which relies on mechanical tools the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely duplicate the original key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key-by-photo, and it revolutionises the method of key duplication by reducing costs and time. Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems, or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed to function properly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys or an embedded microchip in some security keys for homes, communicate with the system they're designed to be part of and require special equipment to duplicate properly. Key cutting is a great way to get a spare key quickly and easily, however you should always seek out professional assistance when you require one. There are many locksmiths that are not equal, and you should seek out a reputable business with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have completed rigorous training in dealing with various locking mechanisms and locks. It's also important 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 can be used to make spare keys. getting car key cut can prevent damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can be used to gain access to your home or car, or any other safe place if a person has locked themselves outside. Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The tracing method is one end of the original key is heated until it becomes black, then it is pressed against the sticky side of a piece of clear tape to leave an imprint. A key cutter can then make use of this imprint to cut around, making a copy that is identical in shape and size to the original. A pattern grinder is another popular method. It grinds the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This allows the key to be fitted into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade on the key and then cuts each notch to the required depth. These machines are either manual or electric, and can be programmed for various keys, thus reducing the requirement for a specialist to be present. Laser cutting is a more recent technique for cutting keys, which is employed in a few places. Instead of grinding the keys to the proper dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. This results in keys that look like an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of keys for tryouts. A key cutting service may also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs, with an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is normally reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment It is important to choose the right key-cutting machine when a person needs their keys cut. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, whether they prefer an automatic or electric machine, and how much they want spend. The type of machine they select can also impact the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is. Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It can also be done using a laser or a code machine. These machines typically require a code that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be entered manually into the machine, or it can be downloaded from the database. There are a variety of machines that are able to cut both mortice and cylinder locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These are costly, but can offer a greater variety of services. A kit that includes the machine along with the tools needed to operate it is another option. These kits are usually less expensive than purchasing individual tools separately and can be an excellent investment for those who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen is removable and lets users access a variety of keys, and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights to show the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a wide range of keys that include dimple keys. It is equipped with optional clamps to handle flat household keys as well as Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key. Key to reducing Cost Modern car keys are much more than a mere piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your vehicle and require special cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always recommended to keep a spare key so that you can use it in the event of an emergency lockout. It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem like they are similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will save you time and money in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a traditional method of making an extra car key and it involves using the key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it can be risky when the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. If the keys are not cut properly, they could damage the lock cylinder and cause the key to stop functioning. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting tool 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 in any way, and still function. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and harder to find at hardware stores. At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, make and model, and then use a special cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can assist you with programming the key to your car, if needed and at a fraction of much as you would pay at dealers.