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How to Get a Car Key Cut It is costly to replace your car keys, especially if it is the only one you have. A backup key 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 an auto dealer. However, not all locksmith or hardware shops offer key duplication and programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses their keys at some point. This can be a major inconvenience, because you're unable access your vehicle or go to your home. A majority of people prefer to have additional keys made instead of changing their locks. This process is quicker and less expensive, as well as more convenient. Key cutting is a process that involves copying the original key onto the blank key using a specialised machine. This is done in order to ensure that the key is identical to the original both in shape and function. Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can have a copy made by trained employees in a matter of minutes. he said make use of keys with the same style as your current key, however, they can also cut copies of more elaborate keys, such as keys for home or car security. The most advanced technology in key replication uses lasers instead of mechanical tools that can precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank one. This is known as key-by-photo, and is revolutionizing the method of key duplication by reducing the cost and time. Modern electronic keys, such as those used to control car lock systems or security access points, come with additional components that must be programmed in order to work correctly. These additional components such as the transponder chip that is found in car keys and the embedded microchip that is found in some security keys for homes communicate with their respective systems, requiring specialised equipment. Key cutting is an excellent way to obtain an extra key quickly and easily, however it is important to seek professional assistance when you require it. Not all locksmiths are created equally, so choose a reputable firm with a dedicated team of highly skilled professionals who have been through rigorous training to handle various locking mechanisms and locks. It is also essential to find locksmiths who offer emergency services as they can assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting is a method of creation of spare keys which will prevent damage to the original keys and decrease the overall wear and tear. A spare key can also be used when one is locked out of their home, car or other secure area as it can allow them to gain access without the assistance of locksmith. Professionals can employ either the punching or tracing method to duplicate keys. 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 the clear tape to leave an imprint. Key cutters can make use of this imprint to cut it away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in size and shape to the original. A pattern grinder is a different popular method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one side and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes the key easier to be fitted into locks. Finally, a key can be cut using punch machines, which takes the key and measures the depth of each notch. A device then presses a blade down onto the key, cutting each notch to the required depth. These machines can either be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This eliminates the need for a specialist. A newer form of key cutting technique is being utilized in a few locations, referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys to get the right dimensions the laser is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys resemble an elongated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other kinds of keys. Key cutting services can also make replacement keys for electronic key fobs which feature an embedded chip that communicates with the immobilizer of a lock or vehicle's system. However the service isn't capable of creating replacements for the more sophisticated smart keys that require specialized programming, which is usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers. Key Cutting Equipment If someone needs their keys cut, it's important to find the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of models, but some factors that affect a person's choice include the kind of key they require and whether or not they wish to use an automated or electric machine and how much money they want to spend. The machine they select will also influence the quality and precision of their work. Most key cutting machines trace the contour of a key to create an entirely new key. This can be done by hand or with a machine that is manual. It can also be done with a laser or a code machine. These machines will typically require codes that tell the machine where to put the notches on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from a database. There are several machines that can cut both cylinder and mortice locks. These are sometimes referred to as dual key cutters. They can save a locksmith time by cutting both types of locks with the same machine. They can be expensive however they also make it possible to offer more services to customers. Another option is to purchase an entire kit that includes the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing the tools individually, and can be an excellent investment for someone who wants to start an operation that cuts 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. Ilco claims that the machine comes with an accessory tray built-in as well as LED lights that indicate its state. Futura Pro is able to decode and cut many different keys, including dimples. It is able to be fitted with optional clamps to handle keys for household use and Tibbe keys as well as cruciform key. Key to reducing Cost Modern car keys are more than a simple piece of metal. They contain transponder chips that require programming to work with your vehicle and require specialized cutting machinery. They are more costly to replace in the event they are lost or taken. This is why it's always a good idea to invest in an extra key so that you have something to turn to in case you're stuck. It is important to understand the difference between duplication and key cutting when you decide to have your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, key cutting involves creating a brand new key from scratch whereas duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing what service you need will save you time and money in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of creating spare keys for cars, requires a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than other options, but it can be risky when the key isn't made correctly or the key is not of good quality. Keys that are cut improperly can damage the lock cylinder and cause your key to stop working. Laser key cutting is more advanced and requires a specialist key-cutting machine. These machines can make a laser groove on both the flat and round sides of the key which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way while still functioning. These are commonly called sidewinder keys and are more effective in preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive than standard keys since they are more complex and are more difficult to locate at hardware stores. AutoZone's associates use an instrument that can duplicate your car key by using the right blank for your vehicle's year and make. We have a broad selection of transponder key options, which means you're certain to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can even help you programme it to your car in case you need to, at a fraction of the cost that you would spend at an auto dealer.