It can be a stressful experience to lose or break a spare key, particularly when you must pay a high fee at the local car dealership. You can save money if you have the spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery for accurate shaping of keys to ensure that they work without a hitch and won't damage the ignition. This service is crucial when you lose your keys or need to have a replacement key made. It takes only a few minutes to complete the process, and it could save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a lockout or broken key.
The process of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you require and the sophistication of the locks. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones for instance, employ encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. These keys also require specific configuration and programming in order to work properly. When you are re-keying locks or you are trying to make a new key out of an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the duplicate process can be more difficult.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they're moving to a new house or want to give copies to family and friends members. Before you decide to try this at your home, you need to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. To ensure that you get a high-quality key, you must use the right machine and the right techniques.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle and if done improperly, it could lead to flawed copies that won't fit correctly or even open the lock. Bring review to a store offering key duplication to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. This will allow the associate to match it up with the key blank and trace its contours on the precise key cutting machine on site.
Another benefit of bringing your own keys to a duplication shop is that you avoid the high costs associated with buying an additional key from a dealer. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by stores who allow customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys available on the market, each with an individual blend of convenience and security. For example, cylinder keys are widely employed in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys however are more secure and are commonly used in traditional buildings. Tubular keys also have a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into a tubular pin tumbler lock typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting methods. This is usually carried out at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access proper equipment for programming keys.
For instance some of the most popular modern car keys are designed as remotes and do not need to be turned in order to start the vehicle. Smart keys contain an embedded microchip that has been programmed to match the particular model and make of car they will work with. They can be cut and programmed at a qualified locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is advisable to always carry an extra key, especially if your area has a high crime rate. The reason is that car theft has become a common and easy criminal activity. However, if you lose the keys to your car, it is important to have them duplicated quickly to get back on the road and not waste time looking for your vehicle.
While a simple key can be cut with a standard machine, more advanced keys require specialized tools and a trained technician to properly duplicate them. Laser cut keys, for example, have an intricate pattern of long valleys rather than the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Another type of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are found in newer vehicles and can only by duplicated by a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming. This is because they contain a microchip inside that must be programmed to the vehicle in order to begin.
Tools Used
If you're looking to do key cutting professionally, you'll need several tools. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive keys. You'll also need an encoder for keys, which offers measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. In addition, you'll require a lock pick set and a long reach tool for unlocking automobiles. These tools are designed to be used to alter the pins inside the lock cylinder, allowing you to open the door without damaging the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Each is designed specifically for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is ideal for those who are just starting out or that only need to cut one or two keys at a given time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that does everything for you. However, it is more expensive than a manual model. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
A vice is an additional important tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being formed. A large vise is perfect for a car, while smaller ones are adequate for vans. A good quality, beefy vise will last a long time and aid in keeping the key in place while filing.
You may also want to consider adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. This is used to take padlocks apart using an aluminum piece that is wrapped around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins inside the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are especially useful for picking locks that are difficult to open with the standard key such as those that are that are found in cars and commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor allows you to take out a broken piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is a fantastic tool that is available in basic car opening sets or buy separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece It's an art form that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process involves specialized machinery and software. This procedure should be handled by an established car dealership or locksmith. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock, which could result in additional costs for replacement or repair. In addition a key that is not cut correctly could not fit properly and could cause problems in the future.
It is crucial to select a professional to cut your spare key using an excellent knife and ensure proper placement of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear more quickly and possibly break inside the lock cylinder. It is also crucial to make sure the key is made from the correct kind of metal. Some online sites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which may damage the key cutting machine or cause the key to malfunction.
If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed after the cutting process. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure that only the correct key is used to start the car. If you utilize a service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able program the key correctly.
It is recommended to have an additional car key for these kinds of vehicles, so that you don't lose the original or put it in the car. This is especially important when your car is shared with other family members. The possession of a spare car key allows each member to have their own key chain or lanyard which will prevent accidental lockouts and the theft of keys.
It's an excellent idea to verify your basic warranty or insurance coverage, as well as roadside assistance coverage. This can save you money if covered. Having a spare key will also be helpful if your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. This will allow you to get back on the road in a hurry without having to wait for a tow truck, or be trapped in the frigid winter.
