Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
A broken or lost spare car key can be stressful, especially if the replacement will require an exorbitant amount to your local dealership for cars. You can save money if you have your spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of head for car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery to precisely cut keys so that they operate smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This is a must-have service if you have lost your keys or require to have a new key made. This process takes just a few minutes and can help you avoid needing to call a professional locksmith in the situation of an emergency lockout.
The procedure of cutting keys differs based on the kind of key you need and the sophistication of the locks. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones, for example, use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. These keys also require specific configuration and programming to work properly. Key cutting and duplication process can be more complicated when it comes to re-keying locks or trying to cut the new key from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare particularly when they move into a new residence or wish to gift copies to friends and family members. Before you decide to try this at your home, it is important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to use the correct machine and the proper methods for each to ensure a top quality key is created.
It can be a hassle to duplicate your keys. If done incorrectly, they may not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. A good way to ensure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your existing working key to a retailer which offers key duplication. This will allow an associate to match it up with the key blank and trace its contours onto a precise key cutting machine onsite.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a duplication shop is that it allows you to avoid the high prices associated with purchasing an additional key from a dealership. In addition to this you can avail of discounts that are provided by shops that allow customers to bring in their own keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each one offers a unique combination of security and convenience. For example, cylinder keys are widely employed in both commercial and residential settings. Mortice keys however are more secure and are commonly found in traditional buildings. Tubular keys also have a cylindrical shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock, often used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicles, as well as the various cutting techniques. This is usually performed at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access proper equipment for programming keys.
For example some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped like remotes, and don't require to be turned to start the car. These keys are known as smart keys. They have a microchip inside them that is programmed to the specific make and model of car that they work with. They can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is always advisable to keep a spare car key especially if you reside in a region with high rates of crime. The reason is because car theft has become a common and easy crime. However, if you've lost your keys to your car, it's crucial to duplicate them quickly so that you can get back on the road and not waste time trying to find your vehicle.
A basic key can be duplicated using a standard machine. However, keys with a more complex design require special equipment and technicians with the necessary knowledge to perform the task. Laser cut keys for instance, have a pattern that consists of long valleys rather than the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Transponder keys are another type of key which requires a professional for cutting. These keys are commonly found in modern cars and can only by duplicated by a locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to allow it to start.
Tools used
If you're planning to perform key cutting professionally, you'll need a variety of tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys and automotive keys. You'll also need an encoder for keys, which provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys as well as Schlage. You'll also need an lockpick set as well as tools with a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are used to manipulate pins within the lock cylinder that allow the door to be opened without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines and each is best for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys through the tracing wheel and cutter wheels. This is ideal for those who are just starting out or that only need to cut one or two keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are great options for a manual key machine.
An automatic key machine can do everything for you, but it's a little more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the most effective automatic machine that is currently available.
A second essential tool is a vice, that is used to hold the key while it's being shaped. A large vise is perfect for a car, while smaller ones are adequate for a van. A good quality, beefy vise will last for a long time, and help keep the key in place while filing.
Other tools you might consider for your toolbox include the padlock shim, which is used to break up padlocks by placing a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins in the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using regular keys such as those that are found in automobiles or commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor allows you to remove a piece of a broken key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is a fantastic tool that you can find in basic car opening sets or buy 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 software and machinery. It should be carried out by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock and lead to extra costs for repair or replacement. A poorly cut key could also cause future problems as it may not fit properly.
It is crucial to choose a professional who will cut your spare key with a high-quality knife and ensure the correct positioning of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can 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 important to ensure that the key is made from the correct type of metal. Some online sites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which may damage the key cutting machine or cause the key to fail.
If your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will have to be programmed after the key cutting process. These keys employ encryption to ensure only the correct key is used to start the vehicle. If you opt to utilize a home key duplication service, they might not be in a position to program the new key correctly.
For these types of cars it is recommended you have a spare key to avoid losing the original key or locking it inside the car. This is especially important if your car is shared with other family members. A spare key enables each family member to have their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts or theft of your car key.
It's also a good idea to review your basic warranty, insurance, or roadside assistance coverage. Depending on the coverage, this type of service could save you money on key duplication and replacement. A spare key can also assist you in the event that your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will let you get back on the road quickly without having to wait for an tow truck or being stuck in the freezing cold.