Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
Losing or breaking a spare car key can be very stressful, especially if the replacement will require an exorbitant amount to the local car dealership. The good news is that you can save money by having the new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is a skill that guarantees security, ease of use and peace of mind for car owners. It requires sophisticated equipment to precisely cut keys so that they operate without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This is essential if you need a spare or lost keys. The process takes only minutes and could help you avoid having to contact a locksmith professional in the situation of an emergency lockout.
The process of key cutting is different based on the type of key you require as well as the level of sophistication of the locks. For example transponder keys and smart keys employ encryption to ensure that there is no unauthorized use of the car's key. They also require specific configuration and programming to function correctly. When re-keying locks, or when you are trying to make a new key out of an old one that does not have the correct code, the duplication process can be more complex.
Many people duplicate their keys in order to have a spare. This is especially the case when they move to a new home or wish to give copies of the keys to family and friends. However, it's essential to know the difference between cutting and key duplication before you decide to try this at home. It's essential to employ the right machine and the correct techniques for each of these to ensure a quality key is produced.
Getting your keys copied is a pain and if done incorrectly, it could lead to faulty copies that will not fit properly or will not even be able to open the lock. A great way to make sure your keys are correctly copied is to bring your current working key to a shop that provides key duplication services. An associate can then match it with the blank of your key, and trace its contours using an exact key-cutting machine at the site.
You can save money for keys that are replacement at a dealership by bringing your keys to a key-duplication shop. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by shops who allow customers to bring in their keys for duplication.
Types of Keys
There are many types of keys on the market. Each type has its own unique combination of convenience and security. For instance Cylinder keys are widely employed in both commercial and residential settings. Mortice keys, on the other hand, are more secure and are often found in traditional buildings. Tubular keys also have a cylindrical shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock, often used to secure sheds and bikes.
In addition to a variety of cutting methods modern keys can also be programmed to be compatible with specific vehicle systems. This is typically performed by a locksmith or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
For instance, many of the most sought-after modern car keys are shaped as remotes and are not required to be turned to start the vehicle. Smart keys have an embedded microchip which is programmed to match the particular model and make of car they work with. These keys can be programmed and cut by a qualified locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is advisable to always carry an extra key, particularly in areas that have a high crime rate. The reason is because car theft is now a common and easy crime. If you lose your keys, you should get them duplicated as soon as you can, so that you get on the road again and not spend time looking for your car.
While a simple key can be cut by an ordinary machine, more advanced keys require special tools and a skilled technician to properly duplicate them. For example, keys cut with lasers feature a pattern of long valleys which replace the typical ridges found on older keys. They are difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Transponder keys are a type of key that requires a professional for cutting. These keys are common in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a locksmith using the appropriate equipment for programming. This is because they contain a microchip inside that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to begin.
Tools Used
If you're planning to perform key cutting professionally, you'll require various tools. This includes the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates standard keys as well as automotive keys. You'll need a key decoder that gives measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages as well as master keys. Also, you'll need locks and picks as well as a long reach tool to unlock automobiles. These tools are used to alter pins within a lock cylinder to allow you to open a door without damaging the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines. Each is made for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is great for beginners or mobile locksmiths who only require cutting one or two keys at a given time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are great options for a key machine that is manual.
A key machine that does everything for you. However, it is more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the most effective automatic machine that is currently available.
Another important tool is a vice, which is required to hold the key while it's being filed into shape. motorcycle key cutting is well for a car while smaller vises are suitable for vans. A quality vise will last for a long time, and it will be much easier to keep your key in place while filing.
You could also consider adding a padlock shank into your toolbox. It is used to disassemble padlocks using the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and tube picks to move the pins inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key.
A key extractor for broken keys lets you remove a piece of a broken key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool that is available in basic car opening sets or buy separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal It's an art form that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process involves specialized machinery and software. It should be done by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A cut that is not done correctly could cause damage to the lock and result in additional costs for repair or replacement. A key that is not cut correctly could also cause future problems as it might not fit correctly.
It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key with a high-quality knife and ensure proper placement of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in less-than-quality cuts that can result in the key wearing out more quickly and may even break inside the lock. It is also crucial to ensure that the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some online sites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which could harm the key cutting machine or cause your key to fail.
After the key cutting, if your car has an transponder key or smart key it will need to programmed. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure that only the correct key is allowed to start the car. If you use a service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able to program the key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an additional car key for these types of vehicles, so that you don't lose the key you have used to lock it in the vehicle. This is especially true if you share your car with your family members. motorcycle key cutting will allow each family member to have their own key chain or lanyard that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and theft of the key.
Review your warranty coverage for basic warranties and 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 useful in the event that you have run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery dies. This will let you return to the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow-truck or be stranded outside in the cold.