11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Key Cutting Car
Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be stressful to lose or break a spare key, especially when you are required to pay a high fee at your local car dealership. You will save money if you have your new spare 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 involves the use of advanced machinery to accurately shape keys so that they work smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This service is vital if you need an extra key or lost keys. It only takes 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 process of cutting keys varies according to the complexity of the lock and the type of key you require. Transponder keys and intelligent keys are for instance, which use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require a special configuration and programming to work correctly. When changing locks, or if you attempt to create a new key out of an old one that does not have the proper code, the duplicate process could be more complex.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep an extra. This is especially relevant when they move into a new house or want to give copies of the keys to friends and family. However, it's essential to know the difference between key duplication and cutting before you decide to try this at home. It is essential to employ the right machine and the proper techniques for each of these to ensure that a high-quality key is produced.
It can be a hassle to duplicate your keys. If done incorrectly, they might not fit properly or even open the lock. Bring your current working keys to a store offering key duplication services to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. This allows an associate to match it up with the blank key and trace its contours on the precise key cutting machine onsite.
You can also avoid paying a high price for an replacement key at a dealer by sending your keys to a key-duplication shop. Additionally, you can take advantage of discounts offered by stores that permit customers to bring their own keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys available on the market, each offering the perfect balance of convenience and protection. Cylinder keys, for example are easy to use and widely utilized in commercial and residential settings, while mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and come with 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.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques keys of today can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is usually done at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access appropriate equipment for key programming.
Some of the most popular keys for cars today are designed as remotes and don't require turning to start the car. These keys are known as smart keys, and they come with an embedded microchip that is coded to the specific make and model of car that they will use. They can only be programmed and cut by a locksmith who is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is always advisable to keep a spare car key, especially if you live in an area that has high crime rates. This is due to the fact that stealing cars is a frequent and fairly easy criminal activity. If you do lose your car keys it's important to have them duplicated quickly to get back on the road and not waste time trying to find your vehicle.
While a standard key can be cut with an ordinary machine, more complex keys require special tools and a skilled technician to duplicate them correctly. For example, keys cut with lasers are characterized by long valleys that replace usual ridges on older keys. They are more difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Transponder keys are another type of key that requires a professional to cut. They are a typical feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is because they have an embedded microchip which needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to begin.
Tools Used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys, as well as automotive ones. You'll require an instrument to decode keys that can provide measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages, as well as master keys. Additionally, you'll need a lock pick set and long reach tools to unlock vehicles. These tools are used to alter pins in a lock cylinder to allow you to open doors without damaging the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines for cutting keys. Each is made specifically for a particular type of lock. A manual key cutter will require the user to manually move the key across the tracing and cutter wheels, which is fine for locksmiths who are new or who only need to cut a couple of keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are great options for a key machine that is manual.
A machine that does everything for you. However it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 automated machine is the most effective one currently available.
A vice is an additional important tool. It is used to hold the key while it is being made. A large vise is ideal for a car, and smaller ones are sufficient for a van. A good vise will last for a long period of time, and it will be easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools you might be considering for your toolbox include a padlock shim, which is used to take apart padlocks by putting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also need locks with picks and a tubular pick. Both are used to manipulate the pins inside the key hole of locks. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using regular keys such as those that are found in cars or some commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to remove the broken piece of key that has become stuck in the keyhole. This is a fantastic tool that you can find in basic car opening sets or buy separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece It's an art form that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This procedure requires specialized software and machinery. This procedure should be handled by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock, which could result in additional costs for repair or replacement. A badly cut key can also cause future problems because it may not fit properly.
When deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key it is essential to choose one who utilizes a high-quality blade that ensures the correct positioning of the chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear out faster and may even break inside the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure that the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which can damage the machine used to cut keys or cause your keys to malfunction.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed following the key cutting process. These keys use encryption so that only the right key can start the car. If you utilize a service that duplicates keys at home, they may be unable to program the key correctly.
For these types of cars it is recommended that you have a spare key to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially important if your car is shared with other family members. Having a spare car key will allow each member to have a separate key chain or lanyard, which will help prevent lockouts by accident and theft of the key.
Check your warranty coverage basics, insurance or roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service could save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key can also be helpful if you are running out of fuel or your vehicle's battery fails to. This will let you get back on the road quickly without waiting for a tow truck, or be stranded in the cold.