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How to Get a Car Key Cut It can be costly to replace your car keys, particularly if it is the only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements. The cutting of your car's key at an auto shop like AutoZone can save you money over going to the dealer. But not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that occurs, it can cause an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. A majority of people prefer having extra keys made rather than replacing their locks. This is a faster, less expensive and more convenient procedure. Key cutting is the process of duplicating keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key matches the original in both form and function which makes it impossible for someone other than you to gain access to your property with a fake. Many hardware stores and big box stores have the option of a key-cutting station, where you can have an exact copy of your key made in a matter of minutes by a trained employee. The kiosks typically make use of keys that have the identical design as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more complicated keys like keys for home or car security. Unlike traditional key cutting, which uses mechanical tools, the most advanced technology in key duplication uses lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. It's called key-by-photo and revolutionizes the process of key duplication by reducing the cost and time. Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to function correctly. These additional components like the transponder chip found in vehicle keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, which requires specific equipment. Key cutting can be the best way to get a spare key quickly and easily, but you should always seek professional assistance when you require one. Not all locksmiths are created equal, and you should look for a reputable company with a committed team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle different locking mechanisms and locks. You should also look for locksmiths who provide emergency services. They will be able provide assistance in case of an accident lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting can be used to make spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and tear. Additionally, a spare can be used if one is locked out of their car, home or other secure area because it allows the person to gain entry without the need for locksmith. A professional can utilize either the punching or tracing method to duplicate a key. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it is black and pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. This imprint can be utilized by a key cutter to make a replica of the original that is exactly the same size and shape. A pattern grinder is another commonly used method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface on one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Additionally, keys can be cut using punch machines. key cutting price is able to take the key and determines the depth of each notch. The machine forces a blade onto the key and cuts each notch at the required depth. These machines are electric or manual, and can be programmed to work with various keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist. A newer kind of key cutting technique is also being utilized in certain locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the correct dimensions, a laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys look like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps, as are other types. A key cutting service can also create replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that connects to the lock's or vehicle's immobilizer system. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require special programming, which is usually reserved for car dealerships and manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment It is essential to select the right machine to cut keys when you need your keys cut. There are a variety of types, but some factors that could affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require as well as whether or not they prefer to use an automated or electric machine, and how much they are willing to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and accuracy of their work. The majority of key cutting machines trace the profile of a key in order to create a new key. This can be done by hand or with a manual machine, but it can also be done using the use of a laser machine or code. These machines require a code to inform them where to put the notch on the new key. A code can be entered into the machine manually, or it can be downloaded from a database. There are a few tools that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. They are commonly referred to as dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by cutting both types of locks on the same machine. These machines can be expensive, but they can also allow you to offer an array of services to customers. A kit that includes the machine as well as the tools needed to operate it is an alternative option. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing tools on their own and could be a good investment for anyone who wishes to start a business of cutting keys. The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine that has been designed to be user-friendly. Its 10-inch touchscreen tablet allows users to access a broad range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. The machine also has a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the status, according Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling flat household and Tibbe keys as well being Cruciform keys. Key Cutting Cost Modern car keys are more than just a piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that must be programmed to work with your car and require specialized cutting machinery. This means they are more expensive to replace if they are lost or stolen. That's why it's always wise to invest in an extra key so that you have something to go to if you find yourself in a pinch. If you decide to have your car key cut it's crucial to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Though they might seem similar, key cutting involves making a new key from scratch, while 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, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses an instrument for cutting keys to trace the original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other methods, but it could be risky if the key is not made properly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could harm the lock and prevent the key from working. Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specifically designed. These machines can create laser grooves on both the flat and round sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way and still function. These keys are also referred to as sidewinders and are more effective in preventing theft than normal keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys due to the fact that they are more complex and harder to find at hardware stores. AutoZone's associates will use a special machine to duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We offer a wide selection of transponder keys, so 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 of much as you would pay at a dealer.