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How to Get a Car Key Cut Car keys can be expensive to replace, especially when you lose the only one. Duplicate keys are a great way to avoid expensive replacements. You can save money by having your car keys cut at an automotive retailer like AutoZone instead of a dealership. But laser key cutting or hardware shops offer key duplication or programming services. What is Key Cutting? Everybody loses keys at one moment, and when that happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, making it impossible to access your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut instead of changing their locks completely. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more convenient. Key cutting is the process of making duplicates of keys using a specific machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in design and function and makes it impossible for anyone else to unlock your home using an imitation. Many hardware stores or big box stores have a key-cutting kiosk where you can obtain a duplicate created by skilled workers in a matter of minutes. These kiosks usually use keys with the same style as your current key, however, they can also make copies of more elaborate keys such as keys for your car or home security. Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology for key duplication utilizes lasers to precisely replicate the key's unique markings onto a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo and is changing the way key duplication services function by drastically reducing the time and cost. Modern electronic keys, such as keys used to control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components that must be programmed to function correctly. These other components, such as the transponder chip found in car keys or an embedded microchip in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to be part of, and they require specialised equipment to duplicate correctly. If you require a spare, key cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from an expert. Not all locksmiths are to be the same, so you must look for a reputable company with a dedicated team of experts who have been through rigorous training to handle different locks and locking mechanisms. It's also important to find locksmiths who offer emergency services, since they'll be able to help in the event of a mishap that results in a lockout. Key Cutting Techniques Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This helps to prevent damage to the original keys, and also reduces wear and wear and tear. In addition, spare keys can be used when someone is locked out of their car, home or any other safe place as it can allow the person to gain entry without the need for a locksmith. A professional can use either the punching or tracing method to duplicate the key. The method of tracing involves heating the end of the key until it turns black, then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This creates an impression. Key cutters can use this imprint to cut away the original key, creating a copy which is identical in shape and size to the original. A pattern grinder is a different common 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 it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. A device then presses an edge down on the key and cuts each notch to 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 used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding down keys to get the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. The keys appear like a serrated knife, and are more resistant to bumps and other types 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 vehicle or locks. The service is not able to make replacement keys for smarter keys that require specialized programming, which is normally reserved for manufacturers and dealerships of cars. Key Cutting Equipment If someone needs their keys cut, it's essential to select the correct key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. The factors that can 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'd like to spend. The tool they select will also impact the quality of their work as well as how accurate it is. The majority of key cutting machines operate by tracing the contour of one key to cut another one. This can be done manually or using a machine that is manual, 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 place the notch on the new key. The code can be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases. There are also a number of machines that can cut mortice as well as cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters. They can help locksmiths save time by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. These tools can be costly, but they can also allow you to offer more services to customers. Another alternative is to buy a set that contains the cutting machine and tools required to operate it. These kits are often less expensive than buying individual tools and can be an excellent investment for someone looking to start an operation that cuts keys. Futura Pro, an electronic key-cutting machine, is designed to be simple to use. Its touchscreen tablet that is removable allows users to access a large range of keys and provides steps-by-step instructions for duplicates and cutting the keys. It also comes with a built-in accessory tray and LED lights that indicate the its status, according to Ilco. The Futura Pro can decode and cut a variety of keys, including dimple keys. It is able to be fitted with clamps that can be used to handle flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as well as cruciform key. Key Cutting Cost Modern car keys are much more than just a piece of metal. They are equipped with transponder chips which need to be programmed to work with your vehicle, and they require specialized cutting machinery. This makes them 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 access it in the case of a lockout. It's important to know the difference between duplication and cutting when you decide to get your car keys cut. While they may seem similar, duplication is the process of copying an existing key. Knowing what service you need will save your time and money in the long run. Mechanical key duplication, a more traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses a key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto the blank key. This method is less expensive than other options, but it could be risky if the key is not made correctly or the key is not of good quality. A poorly cut key could damage the lock and stop the key from working. Laser key cutting is more sophisticated and requires a special key-cutting machine. These machines can create laser grooves on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to fit into the lock cylinder facing in any way and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys, and are more effective at preventing theft than conventional keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complex and difficult to locate in hardware stores. AutoZone's associates will employ an exclusive machine to duplicate your car keys using the appropriate blank for your car's year, make and model. We offer a variety of transponder keys, which means you can be sure to get the right one for your car. We can even help you connect it to your car should you require it, for less than the price that you would spend at a dealership.