10 Quick Tips About Key Cutting Car
Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
The loss or destruction of a spare car key can be stressful especially if replacing it will require an exorbitant amount to your local dealership for cars. The good news is that you can save money by having your new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
It is an art form that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It requires advanced machinery to accurately shape keys to ensure that they function smoothly and don't damage the ignition. This is a must-have service if you lose your keys or need to have a new key made. It takes only a few minutes to complete the process, and it will take away the stress of having to call a locksmith to help with a locked out or damaged key.
The key-cutting process is dependent on the complexity of the lock and the type of key that you require. Transponder keys and intelligent keys are for instance, which use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. In addition to this they require specific configuration and programming in order to work properly. When re-keying locks, or when you are trying to make a new key out of an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the duplication process can be more complex.
Many people duplicate their keys in order to have a spare. This is especially the case when they move into a new house or want to give copies of their keys to friends and family. Before you decide to try this at home, it is important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. It's essential to make use of the right equipment and the correct techniques for each of these to ensure that a high-quality key is produced.
Getting your keys copied is a pain and when done wrong, it could lead to faulty copies that will not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. Bring your current keys to a retailer that offers key duplication to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. This will allow an associate to match it up with the blank key and trace its contours onto an exact key cutting machine onsite.
Another benefit of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that it allows you to avoid the high prices associated with buying a replacement key from a dealership. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by stores that permit customers to bring their keys for duplication.
Keys in various types
There are many different types of keys available on the market, each providing a unique balance of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance are a simple lock that is widely utilized in commercial and residential settings, while 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 sheds and bicycles.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicles, as well as the various cutting techniques. This is usually done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to correct key programming equipment.
Some of the most sought-after car keys are now designed as remotes, and they don't require turning to start the car. These keys are known as smart keys and they have a microchip in them that is coded to the specific make and model of car they be used with. These keys can be programmed and cut by a qualified locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is always advisable to keep a spare car key particularly if you live in a region with high rates of crime. This is because stealing cars is now a regular and relatively easy criminal enterprise. However, if you've lost your car keys it's important to duplicate them quickly so that you can return to the road and not spend time trying to find your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated with an ordinary machine. However, keys with a more complex design require specialized equipment and technicians with the necessary knowledge to perform the task. Keys cut with lasers for instance, feature patterns that consist of long valleys, not the ridges that are typical of older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Another kind of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a typical feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. They contain a microchip which must be programmed into the vehicle to enable it to start.
Tools used
If you're looking to do key cutting professionally, you'll require various tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive ones. You'll also require an encoder for keys, which gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys as well as Schlage. In addition, you'll require locks and picks as well as a long reach tool to unlock cars. These tools are used to manipulate pins inside the lock cylinder, allowing you to open a door without damaging the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting equipment, and each is best for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move keys through the tracing wheel and cutter wheels. This is ideal for beginners or mobile locksmiths that only need to cut one or two keys at a given time. Manual key machines like the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good options.
A crucial machine that can do all the work. However it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
A second essential tool is a vice, which is needed to hold the key while it's being shaped. A large vise will work well for a car and smaller vises are suitable for a van. A high-quality, sturdy vise will last for a long time, and help keep the key in place when filing.
You may also want to consider adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. This is used to take padlocks apart using a thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins in the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are particularly useful for picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key, such as those found in automobiles or commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor allows you to take out an unusable piece of a key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is a useful tool to have and you can find it in basic car opening kits or purchase it separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal, it's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for the car owner. This process requires specialized tools and software. It should be carried out by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. Incorrectly cutting a key could cause damage to the lock which could result in extra expenses for replacement or repair. In mobile key cutting that is not cut correctly may not fit properly and may cause further problems.
It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key with a high-quality knife and ensure the proper positioning of chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear more quickly and may even break inside the lock cylinder. It is also crucial to make sure the key is made from the correct kind of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which can damage the machine that cuts keys or cause keys to malfunction.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed following the cutting process. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure only the correct key is used to start the car. If you are using an online service that duplicates keys at home, you may be unable to program the key correctly.
For these types of cars it is recommended that you have a spare key to ensure that you don't lose the original key or locking it inside the car. This is especially true when you share your car with family members. A spare key allows every family member to have their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Check your warranty coverage for basic warranties or roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplication and replacement. mobile key cutting could be useful if you run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery fails to. This will let you return to the road quickly without waiting for an tow truck or being stranded in the cold.