14 Common Misconceptions About Car Keys Cutting

Car Keys Cutting Car keys cutting is a service that provides car owners with a backup key in the event of a damaged or lost original. It requires specialized equipment as well as several different key types. When selecting a service company to cut your vehicle keys, it's important to know the different types of keys cutting techniques, methods of cutting and prices. Key Blanks The first step in car key cutting is deciding on the correct key blank. Key blanks can either be cut by hand or pre-cut. car key cutting price that are pre-cut are usually priced higher because they are ready to use immediately. They are more accurate however, since locksmiths have already traced the existing key onto the blank. Whatever type of blank key is employed, locksmiths must still cut grooves and notches in it to match the different kinds of pins or wards used in locks. The various designs of grooves and notches are made using a variety of methods, including disk-type key cutters or pinning machines or even an file. Locksmiths can also opt to employ a rotary cutter instead of the pinning or warding machines for quicker, more precise cuts. Once the blank has been shaped, it will be tested in a lock to ensure that all of the bits fit correctly. This is called “biting” the blank key. The key's shoulders and bow are also shaped to determine whether the key can be turned inside a lock and that it is the correct size for the lock. The shape of the key bow is often marked with the manufacturer's name or logo for easy identification and enables you to locate keys that are suitable for duplication. The majority of residential key blanks are made of cylinder keys with grooves and notches to accommodate various pin chambers. The Yale pin tumbler was developed around 150 years ago and is now the most popular. It offers more security than other locks of the time however it requires a smaller key. Cylindrical keys are currently used by almost all made locks that include high-quality padlocks, office supply locks, door and automobile locks. Some key blanks are stamped with various imprints to discourage duplication, such as a key ring or “Do not duplicate” stamp. Locksmiths need a specific license to distribute keys that are protected against duplicates that are not authorized. Certain keys are limited and cannot be sold. Key Cutting Machines It is essential to have the best key-cutting equipment if you're a locksmith. These machines enable you to swiftly and efficiently cut duplicate keys for customers. Key cutting machines use stylus to trace the key's shape, then cuts the key with a blade. The tools are used to cut various types of keys such as house keys, car keys, skeleton keys and Yale locks. The top key cutting machine will come with multiple attachments that can accommodate different types of keys and cuts. This allows you to provide a variety of options to customers and help you save money on replacement keys. The rotary key cutter, which is capable of cutting the majority of keys, is the most common key cutting machine. A Rotary cutter is a machine with two blades rotating to cut both sides of a key at the same time. It's a reliable and cost-effective tool. There are also electric key cutting machines that utilize computers to guide the user through the process. These machines are ideal for auto locksmiths who want to streamline their business processes by removing the need to manually enter key codes. They're also more durable than their manual counterparts, and can be updated with new software updates as they become available. An electronic key cutting machine can also be programmed to make duplicate keys for specific models of vehicles. This is done by connecting the machine to a database online which contains all the information needed to create duplicate keys. This information is saved in the machine's operating system and can be used to make all of the required cuts for a specific model of vehicle in just a few minutes. A key cutting machine is available as a standalone device, or it can be integrated with an app for mobile devices that makes it easier to operate. For instance, the Futura Pro Auto is an electronic key cutting machine that comes with a dedicated tablet that provides step-by-step guidance. The tablet can be linked via Wi-Fi to the machine, or directly tethered. This makes it simple to master the use of the machine, and allows the operator to add new key cuts without needing to replace the jaw assembly. Key Fobs Many modern vehicles require the use of a key fob to lock or unlock doors or to start the engine. Often times the key fob can also include buttons that allow owners to remotely open the trunk or even open the windows. The majority of modern car keys are fitted with an RFID transponder which can read the codes stored within it, allowing the vehicle to identify and communicate with the key fob. The key fob transmits radio signals to a receiver inside the car, which uses rolling codes and encryption. The computer of the car examines the signal from the key fob to determine whether the codes match and if they do, the car is then able to unlock or start the engine. This is the reason it's so important for drivers to keep their key fobs in good condition. If you're a driver and need to have an extra key cut, you'll need bring your vehicle's fob to the shop for it to be properly programmed. The shop should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for programming, which might comprise a specific sequence of button presses as well as a the number of key turns that turn the ignition. These instructions can be found in the owner's manual of the vehicle or on the automaker website. These instructions should be followed to the letter to avoid any mistakes. Some manufacturers provide specific key fobs with extra features such as keyless entry, start with a push button, and the ability “summon” your car from a parking spot, similar to Tesla’s summon feature. These are typically slightly more expensive than the standard versions however their added functionality could be worth it for certain drivers. If you need a new key fob it's best to get one from a dealer, when you can. Most newer vehicles have fobs that need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle. This requires a certain amount of expertise and the equipment that dealers and locksmiths do not have. Make sure to check your car's warranty or insurance policy to determine if it covers the cost of purchasing a new fob prior to purchasing one from a dealer. Key Programming Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a process that guarantees the safety, efficiency and peace-of-mind of car owners. Whether you're making an extra or replace a damaged one The process is a bit complicated and requires knowledge, skill and the proper equipment. This is the reason you need to understand how it works so that you can select the right locksmith for the job. There are many different types of car keys, ranging from the classic steel blanks to the key fobs. Modern keys come with transponders or a remote-control chip that connects directly to the vehicle. They also have to be programmed, and that is where an auto locksmith could assist. These are specially-designed devices that read the code on the chip and transmit it to your vehicle, which can accept it as a valid digital signature. This is similar to how credit cards work and allows you to start your vehicle. For the most part the key made of metal can be cut by a locksmith or at the local hardware store. However, the latest key fobs are more complex and require a particular type of software to be programmed. They are not likely to be duplicated at Home Depot or other hardware shops and should be done by an automotive parts department or locksmith. Special tools allow the dealer to access the ID code of your key directly from the ignition module. They can also extract the PIN code (depending on the make) from the modules. The information is then used to program the new key. This is a more challenging method, but it can help you save money. Many locksmiths are experts on particular car models and have the software and equipment to complete the job right. They can also provide a key programming codes to make your key work as fast as is possible. This is a great method to avoid having to pay the full price of a replacement and it's much faster than waiting for the manufacturer of your car to respond to your request.