If You've Just Purchased Car Keys Cutting ... Now What?
Car Keys Cutting Car keys cutting is a process that provides car owners with an alternative key in case of a damaged or lost original. It requires specialized equipment and a variety of key types. When selecting a service company to cut your vehicle keys, it is essential to know the different types of keys cutting techniques, the cutting methods and prices. Key Blanks The first step to cutting car keys is to select the correct blank. Key blanks can either be cut from scratch or cut in advance. Keys that are cut in advance tend to be more expensive, as they are ready for use immediately. However, they are more precise because a skilled locksmith has already traced the contours of the current key onto the blank. Whatever type of blank key is employed, locksmiths must still cut grooves and notches in it to match various types of pins or wards used in locks. The various shapes of notches and grooves are created by a variety of methods, including disk-type key cutters, pin machines or even the use of a file. A locksmith can also use an rotary cut instead of a pining or warding machine to make faster, more precise cuts. The blank will then be examined to ensure that all bits fit perfectly. This is known as “biting” the blank key. The bow and shoulders of the key are also shaped in order to determine if the key can be used with a lock and if it's the right size. The shape of the key bow is usually engraved with a manufacturer's name or logo for easy identification, making it possible to find similar keys that are suitable for duplication. Most key blanks for residential use consist of cylinder keys with grooves and notches to accommodate different pin chambers. The Yale pin tumbler was created around 150 years ago and is now the most commonly used. It offers more security than other locks of the past however it requires an incredibly small key. Cylindrical keys are used by nearly all locks manufactured with high-quality padlocks, office supplies locks, automobiles, and door locks. Certain key blanks have distinct imprints to prevent duplicates. For instance keys with a keyring stamp or a “Do not duplicate”. Some keys are also protected from unauthorised duplication through a registered or patent design, and require a specific license by locksmiths in order to distribute them. Other keys are restricted by the key manufacturers and are not able to be sold or distributed. Key Cutting Machines If you're a locksmith, having the correct key cutting machine is essential. These machines allow you to quickly and easily cut duplicate keys for customers. Key cutting machines use stylus to trace the key's shape, then cuts the key with a knife. These tools are used for various types of keys, including car keys, house keys, skeleton keys and Yale locks. The top key cutting machine will have multiple attachments to accommodate various key types and cuts. This lets you offer a wide range of services to your customers, and can help you save time and money on replacement keys. A rotary key cutter is among the most popular types of key cutting machines, as it's capable of producing the majority of types of keys. A rotary key cutter comes with two blades rotating that can cut both sides of a key simultaneously, making it an efficient and cost-effective tool. There are also electric key cutting machines that utilize computers to guide the user through the process. These devices are great for auto locksmiths looking to streamline their businesses, as they eliminate having to manually enter key codes. They are also more durable than their manual counterparts and can be updated with software updates as they become available. An electronic key cutting machine can also be programmed to make duplicate keys for certain models of automobiles. This is done by connecting the machine to an online database that holds all the information needed to make a duplicate. This information is kept within the operating system of the machine and can be used to create all the cuts required for a certain model of vehicle in a matter of minutes. A key cutting device can be purchased as an individual device or integrated into an application for mobile devices that makes it easier for the user to use. i thought about this , for example is an electronic key-cutting machine which comes with its own tablet that offers step-by-step instructions. The tablet can be paired via Wi-Fi to the machine or can be directly tethered. This makes it simpler to master the operation of the machine and gives the operator the ability to create new keycuts without needing to replace the jaw assembly. Key Fobs A lot of modern cars require the use of a key fob to lock or unlock doors, or to start the engine. Often times the key fob could also have buttons that permit owners to remotely open the trunk, or even open the windows. The majority of modern car keys have an RFID transponder, which can read the codes that are stored within. This allows the car to identify and communicate with the key fob. The key fob sends out radio signals to the receiver in the car, which uses the combination of rolling codes and encryption to thwart unauthorized access. The computer in the car then examines the signal from the key fob to determine whether the codes match and if they do the car can then proceed to unlock the engine or start it. This is why it's important for drivers to keep their key fobs in good shape. If you're a driver and need to have an extra key cut, you'll need to bring your car's fob to the shop in order for it to be properly programmed. The shop must follow the instructions from the manufacturer which usually contain an exact sequence of presses on the key fob as well as a certain amount of key turns when the ignition is turned. These instructions are found in the owner's manual of the car or on the automaker's website. It is important to follow them exactly to avoid any errors. In addition to the standard key fob manufacturers also have specialized models that feature extra features like keyless entry, push-button starting, and the ability to “summon” cars from a parking spot similar to Tesla's summon feature. These kinds of fobs generally cost a little more than the regular versions, but the additional functionality can be worth it for certain users. If you require an entirely new key fob, it's best to get one from a dealer, if possible. A majority of the newer cars come with fobs that must be programmed to work with your car. This requires a certain level of expertise and equipment most dealers and locksmiths do not have. Check your car's warranty or insurance policy to determine if it covers the cost of a brand new fob before purchasing one from a dealer. Key Programming Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a process that guarantees safety, efficiency and peace of mind for car owners. Making a spare key or replacing a damaged one is complicated and requires expertise, knowledge and the right tools. You need to understand how it works in order to select the most suitable locksmith for the job. There are many different types of car keys, ranging starting with the traditional steel blanks to the key fobs. Modern keys are equipped with an electronic transponder, also known as a remote-control chip that communicates with the vehicle whenever they are used. The keys also have to be programmed and this is where an auto locksmith can assist. These are specially-designed devices that read the chip's code and then transmit it to your vehicle, which will accept it as an authentic digital signature. This is similar to the way credit cards work and allows you to start your car. For the most part the key made of metal can be made by a locksmith at a local hardware store. Key fobs that are more recent however, are more intricate and require specialized software to program. They are less likely to be duplicated by Home Depot or other hardware shops and should only be handled by an automotive parts department or locksmith. Special tools permit the dealer to read the ID code of your key directly from the ignition module. They can also get the PIN code (depending on make) from the modules. This information can be used to program the new key. This method is more difficult, but will help you save money. Many locksmiths are experts on a specific car model and have the right software and technology to perform the job correctly. They can also provide you with the key programming code needed to make your new key functional in the shortest time possible. This is an excellent way to avoid paying the full price for a replacement and to make your key work quicker than waiting for the manufacturer to approve the request.