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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. Duplicate keys are the most effective option to avoid costly replacements. Having your car key cut at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. Not all hardware or locksmith establishments offer key duplication or programming. What is Key Cutting? key cutting open now loses their keys at some moment. This could be a major inconvenience, since you're unable to get into your vehicle or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than changing their locks entirely. This is a faster, cheaper and more convenient process. Key cutting is the process of duplicating the key using a specially-designed machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both design and function and makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your property using an unauthentic. Many hardware stores and big box stores provide the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have copies made in just a few minutes by a trained worker. These kiosks are equipped with a blank key that is the same as your existing key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like car keys or home security keys. The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools to accurately duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time. Modern electronic keys, like ones used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip in keys for vehicles and the embedded microchip in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require special equipment. If you require a spare, key cutting is a fast and simple method to obtain one. However, you should always consult an expert. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a team of highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in dealing with different locks and locking mechanisms. It is also essential to locate a locksmith that offers emergency services, since they can help in the event of an accidental lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting allows for the making of spare keys, which can protect the original keys and decrease the overall wear and wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to a home or vehicle, or another safe place if a person has locked themselves outside. Professionals can employ either the tracing or punching method to duplicate keys. With the tracing method, one end of the original key is heated until it turns black, and then pressed against the sticky side of a piece clear tape to leave an imprint. This impression can be utilized by key cutters to create a copy of the original identical in size and shape. A pattern grinder is a different commonly used 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. A key can also be cut using punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. The machine applies a blade onto the key, cutting each notch at the required depth. The machines can be either electric or manual and can be programmed to work with different keys. This reduces the need for a specialist. A newer type of key cutting technique is being utilized in certain locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to make the correct dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The result is the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys. Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs with an embedded chip that connects to a vehicle's or lock's immobilizer system. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and car dealerships. Key Cutting Equipment If someone needs their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are many types of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision are the size and style of the key, if they want an electric or automated machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also affect the quality of their work and how precise it is. The majority of key cutting machines work by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done by hand or using a manual machine. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines require a code that tells them where to place the key's notch. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database. There are also a number of machines that are able to cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks simultaneously. They can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer an array of services to customers. A kit that includes the machine and the tools needed to operate it is a different option. These kits are usually cheaper than purchasing the tools individually and can be a good option for those looking to venture into the business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet lets users access a wide range of keys, and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting them. The machine also comes with an accessory tray built-in and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. It also comes with clamps for handling keys for household use and Tibbe keys, as for Cruciform keys. Key to reducing Cost Modern keys for cars are more than just a piece made of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle, and they require cutting machines that are specialized. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to purchase an extra key, so you have something to go to in the event that you're stuck. It's crucial to know the difference between duplication and key cutting before you decide to have your car keys cut. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing which service you need will help you save money and time in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way of making an extra car key and it involves using a key cutting machine to trace the original contours on the blank key. This process is cheaper than other methods for making an alternative car key however it could be risky in the event that the key isn't well made or the key blank isn't high-quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent your key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specialized. These machines can cut laser grooves on the flat side of the key and allow it to fit inside the lock-cylinder either way. These keys are also known as sidewinder and are more effective in protecting against theft than regular keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys because they are more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores. AutoZone's associates use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the correct blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, which means you're sure to get the right one for your vehicle. We can assist you in programming the key to your car, if needed, and at a fraction as the cost you would pay at a dealer.