Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
The loss or destruction of a spare car key can be a stressful experience, especially if the replacement requires that you pay an expense to your local dealership for cars. The good news is that you could save money by having the new 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 using advanced machinery for precise shaping keys to ensure that they work without a hitch and won't cause damage to the ignition. This is a must-have service if you lose your keys or need to have a replacement key made. The process takes only a few minutes and can help you avoid having to call a professional locksmith in the case of an emergency lockout.
The process of key cutting differs based on the kind of key you require and the level of sophistication of the locks. For instance transponder keys and smart keys use encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car's key. In addition, these keys require a specific configuration and programming to function properly. The key duplication and cutting process can be more complicated when dealing with re-keying locks or when you're trying to cut the new key from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code in it.
Many people duplicate their keys in order to have a spare. This is particularly relevant when they move into a new residence or want to give copies of their keys to family and friends. However, it's essential to know the difference between key duplication and cutting before you decide to try this at home. To ensure that you get the best quality key, you must use the correct machine and the correct methods.
Getting your keys copied is a pain and if it is done wrong it could result in flawed copies that won't fit properly or will not even open the lock. Bring your current keys to a shop that offers key duplication services to make sure that your keys are duplicated correctly. This allows an associate to match it with the blank key and trace its contours onto the precise key cutting machine onsite.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a duplication shop is that it allows you to avoid the high costs associated with buying a replacement key from a dealership. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys on the market, each offering the perfect balance of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance are easy to use and widely used in commercial and residential settings Mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that fit into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a range of cutting techniques, modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is usually done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to the correct key programming equipment.
Some of the most popular car keys are now designed as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. Smart keys have a microchip that is coded to match the particular model and type of car they work with. They can be programmed and cut by a qualified locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is advisable to always carry an extra key, particularly in areas that have high rates of crime. The reason is that car theft is now a common and easy crime. If you have lost your keys, it's best to get them duplicated as soon as possible so you can be back on the road and not waste time searching for your car.
While a basic key can be cut using an ordinary machine, more sophisticated keys require special tools and a skilled technician to duplicate them correctly. Laser cut keys, for example, have an intricate pattern of long valleys, not the ridges that are typical of older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their intricate shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key that requires a professional to cut. They are found in modern cars and can only be duplicated by a locksmith who has the right programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to enable it to start.
Tools used
If you're planning to perform key cutting professionally, you'll require a variety of tools. They include a key duplication machine, which cuts and duplicates regular keys as also automotive keys. You'll require an instrument to decode keys that can provide measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets and Schlages as well as master keys. Also, you'll need an lockpick set as well as an instrument that has a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are specialized and used to alter the pins inside a lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without damaging the lock.
There are many different kinds of key cutting equipment, and each is best for a specific type of lock. A manual key cutter will require you to manually move the key through the cutter and tracing wheels which is ideal for those who are just beginning or who need to cut a few keys at one time. Manual key machines such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A key machine that does all the work for you. However it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
Another essential tool is a vice, which is needed to hold the key when it's being shaped. A large vise would work well for a car while smaller vises will work for vans. A good quality, beefy vise will last for a long time, and aid in keeping the key in place while filing.
You could also consider adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. This is used to disassemble padlocks using a thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins in the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key.
A broken key extractor allows you to remove the broken piece of a key that has become jammed in the key hole. This is a useful tool to have and it is available in some basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal, it's an art that provides security, ease of use and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process requires specialized software and machinery. This procedure should be handled by an established locksmith or a car dealership. A wrongly cut key could damage the lock and lead to extra costs for repair or replacement. A key that is not cut correctly could cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
It is important that you select a professional who will cut your spare key using a high-quality knife and ensure the proper positioning of chip. Cheaper blades can result in lower quality cuts, which can result in the key wearing out more quickly and could break inside the lock. It is also important to make sure the key is made from the correct type of metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chip of low quality, which could harm the machine that cuts keys or cause keys to malfunction.
After cutting the key, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will need to programmed. These keys use encryption so that only the right key can start the car. If you are using a service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able to program the key correctly.
It is recommended that you have an extra car key for these types of vehicles, to ensure that you do not lose the original key or lock it in the vehicle. This is particularly true when you share your car with family members. A spare key allows each family member to have their personal lanyard. This prevents accidental lockouts or theft of your car key.
It's also a good idea to verify your basic warranty, insurance, or roadside assistance coverage. mobile key cutting near me may save you money if covered. Having a spare key will also be helpful if your car battery goes out or you are running out of gas. This will let you get back on the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow truck or getting stranded in the cold.