car key cutter by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
The loss or destruction of a spare car key can be very stressful, especially if the replacement requires that you pay an expense to your local dealership for cars. You can save money if you have your spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It requires sophisticated equipment to precisely cut keys so that they operate without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This is a must-have service if you have lost your keys or require to have a new key made. It takes only a few minutes to complete the process, and it can save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a broken or locked key.
The procedure of cutting keys is different based on the type of key you require and the level of sophistication of the locks. Keys that are transponder or intelligent, for example, use encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car key. Additionally, these keys require a specific configuration and programming in order to work properly. When changing locks, or if you are trying to make an entirely new key from an old one that does not have the proper code, the duplication process can be more difficult.
Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they move into a new residence or want to give copies to friends and family members. Before you attempt this at home, it is important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. It's essential to use the correct machine and the right techniques for each to ensure a top quality key is produced.
It can be difficult to get your keys duplicated. If done incorrectly, they might not fit properly or even be able to open the lock. One way to ensure that your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a shop that provides key duplication services. An associate will then match it to the blank of your key, and trace its contours with an exact key-cutting machine at the spot.
Another benefit of bringing your keys to a duplication shop is that you can save money with purchasing a replacement key from a dealer. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by stores who permit customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys on the market, each offering a unique balance of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance, are simple and widely used in both residential and commercial settings, while mortice keys are a staple of traditional buildings and offer 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.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to be compatible with specific vehicle systems. This is usually done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access proper equipment for programming keys.
For instance, some of the most well-known modern car keys are designed as remotes and do not need to be turned in order to start the vehicle. Smart keys have an embedded microchip which is programmed to match the particular car model and make they work with. They can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is recommended to always have an extra key, especially in areas with high rates of crime. The reason is because car theft has become a relatively common and easy crime. However, if you lose the keys to your car, it is important to have them duplicated quickly to return to the road and not spend time looking for your vehicle.
While a standard key can be cut using an ordinary machine, more sophisticated keys require specialized tools and a skilled technician to duplicate them correctly. Keys made with lasers for instance, have an intricate pattern of long valleys, not the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complex shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key which requires a professional for cutting. These are a common feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the right programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to enable it to start.
Tools used
You'll require a variety of tools to cut keys professionally. They include the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates standard keys as well as automotive keys. Also, you'll need a key decoder, which offers measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. You'll also require lockscrews and an instrument with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are used to manipulate pins inside the lock cylinder that allow you to open doors without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines and each one is best for a specific type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys through the tracing wheel and cutter wheels. This is great for those who are just starting out or who only need to cut one or two keys at a given time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are great options for a key machine that is manual.
A key machine that is automated can do everything for you, however, it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the best automated machine available today.
Another essential tool is a vice that is used to hold the key when it's being shaped. A large vise would work well for a car, while smaller vises will work for a van. A good quality, beefy vise will last a long time, and aid in keeping the key in place while filing.
Other tools to be considering for your toolbox include padlock shims that can be used to disassemble padlocks by putting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also need a lock pick set and the tubular pick, which are used to manipulate the pins inside the key hole of locks. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open with regular keys, such as those that are found in cars and commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor allows you to take out the broken piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is a fantastic tool that can be found in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal it's an art that provides security, ease of use and peace of mind for the car owner. This process involves specialized machinery and software. This procedure should be carried out by a reputable car dealership or locksmith. A wrongly cut key could cause damage to the lock and cause additional costs for repair or replacement. A key that is not cut correctly could also cause future problems as it may not fit properly.
It is essential to select a professional who will cut your spare key with an excellent 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 important to ensure that the key is made from the correct kind of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chip of low quality, which can damage the machine used to cut keys or cause keys to malfunction.
After the key cutting, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will need to programmed. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the correct key is used to start the vehicle. If you decide to utilize a home key duplication service, they may not be able to program the new key properly.
It is recommended that you have an additional car key for these kinds of vehicles, so you don't lose the original or put it in the car. This is especially important when you share your car with your family members. A spare car key allows each member to have a separate lanyard or key chain, which will prevent accidental lockouts and the theft of keys.
It's also a good idea to verify your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. This can save you money if it is covered. A spare key can be helpful if you have run out of fuel or your car's battery fails to. This will enable you to return to the road quickly and without waiting on a tow-truck or being stranded outside in the cold.