13 Things You Should Know About Key Cutting Car That You Might Not Have Known
Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be a stressful experience to lose or break keys, especially when you are required to pay a hefty price at your local car dealership. You can save money if have the spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery to precisely cut keys to make sure they function smoothly and don't cause damage to the ignition. This service is vital if you need an extra key or lost your keys. The process takes only a few moments and can save you from needing to call a professional locksmith in the event of an emergency lockout.
The procedure for cutting keys differs based on the complexity of the lock and the type of key you require. For example keys that are transponder and smart keys utilize encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car's key. In addition, these keys require a specific configuration and programming for proper operation. The key cutting and duplication process is also more complex when dealing with re-keying locks or trying to cut the new key from an existing one that doesn't have the proper code.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep a spare. This is especially relevant when they move to a new home or want to give copies of their keys to friends and family. Before you try this at home, it is important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. It's crucial that you make use of the right equipment and the right methods for each to ensure a quality key is produced.
auto key cutting can be difficult to get your keys duplicated. If it is done incorrectly they might not fit properly or even open the lock. A great way to make sure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a shop which offers key duplication. This will allow an associate to match it with the key blank and trace its contours onto the precise key cutting machine in the store.
You can save money for an replacement key at a dealership by bringing your keys to a key duplication shop. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by shops who allow customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Types of Keys
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each type provides a distinct combination of convenience and security. Cylinder keys, for instance are easy to use and widely used in both residential and commercial settings Mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks which are typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting techniques. This is typically performed at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access appropriate equipment for key programming.
For instance some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped like remotes and do not need to be turned in order to start the vehicle. Smart keys have an embedded microchip that has been programmed to match the particular model and type of car they use. They can be programmed and cut at the hands of a locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's best to always have an extra key, particularly in areas with an extremely high rate of crime. This is because stealing cars is now a regular and relatively simple criminal enterprise. If you do lose the keys to your car, it is important to duplicate them quickly to return to the road and not waste time searching for your vehicle.
A basic key can be duplicated with the standard machine. However, advanced keys require specialized equipment and a technician who has the required knowledge to perform the task. Laser cut keys, for example, have an intricate pattern of long valleys rather than the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complicated shape.
Another type of key that requires an expert to cut is the transponder key. They are found in modern cars and can only by duplicated by a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming. This is because they have a microchip in them that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to begin.
Tools Used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys and automotive keys. You'll need an instrument to decode keys that can provide measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets and Schlages as well as master keys. In addition, you'll require locks and picks as well as an extended reach tool for unlocking vehicles. These tools are designed to be used to alter the pins inside a lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are many different kinds of key cutting equipment, and each one is suitable for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for those who are just starting out or who only require cutting one or two keys at the same time. Manual key machines, such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A machine that can do everything for you. However it's more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 automated machine is the best one currently available.
A vice is a different important tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being made. A large vise is ideal for a car, while a smaller one is sufficient for vans. A vise of good quality will last for a long time, and it's easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools you might think about adding to your toolbox are a padlock shim that can be used to disassemble padlocks by placing a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set and tube picks to move the pins inside the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are especially helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using a standard key.
Finally, a broken key extractor can allow you to take out the broken piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is an excellent tool that you can find in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal It's an art form that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for the car owner. This process requires special equipment and software. It should be completed by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could cause damage to the lock and cause extra costs for repair or replacement. In addition, a cut that isn't done correctly may not fit properly and cause future problems.
It is important that you select a professional to cut your spare key with an excellent knife and ensure proper placement of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in less-than-quality cuts that can cause the key to wear out more quickly and may even break inside the lock. It is also crucial to ensure that the key is made of the right type of metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips that could harm the key cutting machine or cause the key to malfunction.
After the key cutting, should your vehicle have a transponder key or smart key it will require programming. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the right key is able to start the vehicle. If you decide to use a home key duplication service, they may not be in a position to program the new key correctly.
For these types of vehicles it is recommended that you have an additional key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially true in the event that you share your car with your family members. The possession of a spare car key will allow each member to have their own lanyard or key chain, that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and theft of the key.
It's an excellent idea to verify your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key can also assist you in the event that your car battery fails or you have run out of gas. This will let you return to the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow truck, or be stuck in the freezing cold.