9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Key Cutting Car
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 large amount at the local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having your new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated equipment to precisely cut keys so that they work smoothly and don't damage the ignition. This is a must-have service if you have lost your keys or require to have a spare key made. This process takes just a few moments and can help you avoid having to contact a locksmith professional in the event of an emergency lockout.
The process of cutting keys varies according to the complexity of the lock and the type of key you require. For instance, transponder keys and smart keys utilize encryption to ensure that there is no unauthorized use of the car's key. These keys also require special configuration and programming to function properly. The key duplication and cutting process is also more complex when you're trying to re-key locks or trying to cut new keys from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code in it.
Many people duplicate their keys to have a spare. This is especially the case when they move to a new home or wish to give copies of their keys to friends and family. Before you try this at your home, you need to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. It's crucial that you make use of the right equipment and the proper techniques for each to ensure that a high-quality key is created.
It can be a hassle to duplicate your keys. If you do it incorrectly, they may not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. One way to ensure that your keys are copied correctly is to bring your existing working key to a store which offers key duplication. This allows an associate to match it up with the blank key and trace its contours on the precise key cutting machine on site.
You can save money for keys that are replacement at a dealer by sending your keys to a key duplication shop. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Types of Keys
There are many different types of keys available on the market, each providing a unique balance of convenience and security. For example, cylinder keys are widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys however, are more secure and are commonly found in traditional structures. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into a tubular pin tumbler lock often used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting techniques. This is usually done by a locksmith, or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
Some of the most popular keys for cars today are designed as remotes, and don't require turning to start the car. These are called smart keys, and they come with an embedded microchip that is programmed to the specific make and model of car they use. They can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are a member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is always advisable to have a spare key for your car especially if you reside in an area with high crime rates. The reason is that car theft has become a common and easy crime. If you lose your keys, you should duplicate them as soon as you can, so that you return to the road and not waste your time looking for your car.
A standard key can be duplicated with a standard machine. However, keys with a more complex design require special equipment and technicians with the necessary skills to accomplish this. Keys made with lasers for instance, feature patterns that consist of long valleys rather than the ridges that are typical of older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complicated shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key that requires a professional to cut. They are a standard feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is due to the fact that they have an embedded microchip that must be programmed into 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 ones. Also, you'll need a key decoder that gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. You'll also need lockscrews and an instrument with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are specialized and used to move the pins within a lock cylinder, allowing you to open the door without damaging the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines. Each one is designed for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is ideal for locksmiths who are new or mobile who only need to cut one or two keys at a time. Manual cheapest key cutting near me machines such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A key machine that is automatic does everything for you, however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 is the top automatic machine currently available.
A vice is another essential tool. It is used to hold the key in place while it is being shaped. A large vise will work well for a car and a smaller vise will do for a van. A sturdy, high-quality vise will last for a long time, and make it easier to keep the key in place when filing.
You may also want to consider adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. It is used to take padlocks apart using an aluminum piece that is wrapped around the shackle. You'll also need an lock pick set as well as a tubular pick, which can be used to alter the pins that are in the key hole of a lock. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key like those found in automobiles or commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to remove a piece of a broken key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is a great tool to have, and it can be found in the basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
It's more than just a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that gives security and ease of mind to the owner. This process requires special equipment and software. This procedure should be handled by an accredited locksmith key cutting or car dealership. A wrongly cut key could cause damage to the lock and lead to additional costs for repair or replacement. In addition, a cut that isn't done correctly could not fit properly and could cause problems in the future.
It is crucial to choose a professional who will cut your spare key using a high-quality knife and ensure proper placement of chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear more quickly and may even break inside the lock cylinder. Also, it is essential to ensure that the key is made of the correct metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could harm the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
After the key cutting, should your vehicle have a transponder or smart key it must be programmed. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the correct key can be used to start the car. If you decide to make use of a home key cutting car duplicate service, they may not be able to program the new key properly.
For these types of cars it is recommended that you have an extra key to avoid losing the original key or locking it inside the car. This is particularly true if you share your car with your family members. A spare car key will permit everyone to have a separate lanyard or key chain, which will prevent accidental lockouts and theft of the key.
It's also a good idea to verify your basic warranty, insurance, or roadside assistance coverage. This service may save you money if covered. A spare car key cut key will also be helpful if your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will enable you to get back on the road in a hurry without having to wait for a tow truck, or be stranded in the cold.
