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How to Get a Car Key Cut It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly when it's the only one you have. Having duplicate keys is the best way to avoid costly replacements. You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. Not all locksmith or hardware shops provide key duplication and programming. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at one point, and when this occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks completely. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure. Key cutting is the process of creating keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is identical to the original in both form and function, making it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property using an unauthentic. Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained workers within a matter of minutes. The kiosks typically make use of a key blank that has the same design as your existing key, however, they can also cut copies of more intricate keys like keys for home or car security. In contrast to traditional key cutting which is a process that uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is known as key by photo, and it is revolutionising the way that key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and expense involved. Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems or security access points have additional components that need to be programmed properly. These additional components, such as the transponder chip in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in a few home security keys communicate with their respective systems, and require specific equipment. If you require a spare key, cutting is a fast and simple way to get one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. There are many locksmiths that are not to be the same, so you must choose a reputable firm with a team of skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training in dealing with different locking mechanisms and locks. It is also important to find locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able to assist you in the event of an emergency lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. automotive key cutting can prevent damage to the original keys and reduces wear and tear. A spare key could be used to gain access to your home, car, or other safe location if someone has locked themselves out. A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. The tracing method involves heating the end of the key until it is black, and then pressing it against the sticky surface of a piece clear tape. This creates an imprint. A key cutter will make use of this imprint to cut away, making a copy that is exactly the same in size and shape to the original. Another common method is to make use of a pattern grinder which takes the key and then grinds it until a flat surface remains on one end of the blade, and the grooves and notches disappear on the other side. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Keys can also be cut with punching machines that measure the depth of the notch. A device then forces a blade to the key, cutting each notch to the desired 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 method of cutting keys, which is employed in certain places. Instead of grinding keys down to the correct dimensions, the laser is used remove the material from the side of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bump keys and other kinds of keys. A key cutting service is also able to design replacement keys for electronic fobs. The key fobs are equipped with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer system of a car or locks. The service can't create replacements for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is typically reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment It is important to choose the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a myriad of models and some of the factors that can influence a person's choice are the type of key they require and whether or not they prefer to use an automatic or electric device, and the much money they'd like to spend. The type of machine they select will also affect the quality and accuracy of their work. Most key cutting machines trace the profile of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine but it can also be done using a code or laser machine. These machines will typically need an identifier that tells the machine where to put the notches on the new key. A code can be manually entered into the machine, or it can be downloaded from databases. There are automotive key cutting that can cut mortice and cylinder locks. Dual key cutters are also available and can help locksmiths save time by cutting both locks simultaneously. They are expensive but can offer a greater range of services. Another option is to purchase a set that contains the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than buying tools on their own and are a great investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that is designed to be user-friendly. Its removable 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad variety of keys and offers step-by-step instructions for duplicating and cutting the keys. It also comes with an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights to indicate status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode many different keys including dimples. It can also be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household and Tibbe keys as well as Cruciform keys. Key Cutting Costs Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This makes them more expensive to replace in the event that they are lost or stolen. It's always an excellent idea to have a spare key so that you can access it in the situation of an emergency lockout. It is important to understand the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. Although they may appear identical, duplication is the act of copying an existing key. Knowing which service you require will save you time and money in the long run. Mechanical key duplication is a more traditional way 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 cheaper than other options, but it could be risky if the key isn't made properly or the blank is of poor quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent your key from working. Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a specialized key-cutting machine. These machines can make laser grooves on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way while still functioning. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in protecting against theft than normal keys. They also tend to be more expensive than standard keys because they are more complicated and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores. AutoZone's associates will employ an instrument that can duplicate your car key using the right blank for your vehicle's year, make and model. 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 even assist you to program it to your vehicle in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a dealership.