Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be a stressful experience to lose or break a spare key, particularly if you have to pay a large amount at the local car dealership. The good news is that you could save money by having your new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is a skill that ensures security, convenience and peace of head for car owners. It involves using advanced machinery for accurate shaping of keys to ensure they work without a hitch and won't harm the ignition. This service is crucial when you are locked out of your keys or you need to have a spare key made. It takes only a few minutes to complete the process and it can save you the hassle of having to call a locksmith with a lockout or broken key.
The process of cutting keys differs based on the kind of key you require as well as the level of sophistication of the locks. For example keys that are transponder and smart keys employ encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car's key. In addition to this they require specific configuration and programming for proper operation. The key duplication and cutting process is also more complex 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 proper code in it.
Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, particularly when they move to a new house or want to give copies to friends and family members. Before keys cut near me now attempt this at home, it is important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to use the correct machine and the right techniques for each to ensure a top quality key is created.
Copying your keys is a pain and when done wrong, it could lead to incorrect copies that do not fit correctly or even open the lock. Bring your current keys to a store offering key duplication to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. This will allow the associate to match it with the key blank and trace its contours on a precise key cutting machine in the store.
Another benefit of bringing your own keys to a key duplication shop is that you can avoid the high prices associated with purchasing an additional key from a dealer. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by stores who allow customers to bring in their keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys available on the market, each providing an individual blend of convenience and protection. Cylinder keys for instance are easy to use and widely utilized in commercial and residential settings Mortice keys are an essential part of traditional buildings and offer more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that fit into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting methods. This is usually performed by a locksmith or an authorized dealer that has the proper key programming equipment.
For example, some of the most popular modern car keys are designed like remotes, and are not required to be turned to start the car. These are called smart keys and they have a microchip inside them that is programmed to the specific brand and model of car they be used with. They can be programmed and cut by an experienced locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always best to have a spare car key, especially if you live in a region with high crime rates. This is because stealing cars has become a common and fairly easy criminal activity. If you do lose 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.
While a simple key can be cut by a standard machine, more sophisticated keys require special tools and a trained technician to duplicate them correctly. Laser cut keys for instance, have an intricate pattern of long valleys rather than the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complicated shape.
Another type of key that requires a professional to cut is the transponder key. These are a common feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the right programming equipment. This is because they contain an embedded microchip that needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start.
Tools Used
If you want to perform key cutting professionally, you'll require several tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys and automotive keys. You'll require a key decoder that provides measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets, Schlages, and 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 used to manipulate pins in a lock cylinder to allow the door to be opened without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines. Each is made specifically for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys through the tracing wheel and cutter wheels. This is ideal for locksmiths who are new or mobile that only need to cut one or two keys at a given time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that is automatic will do everything for you however, it's more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the best automatic machine that is currently available.
Another essential tool is a vice that is used to hold the key in place when it's being cut into shape. A large vise will work well for a car, while a smaller vise will do for vans. A good vise will last for a long period of time, and it's easier to keep your key in place while filing.
Other tools you might be considering for your toolbox include padlock shims that can be used to disassemble padlocks by putting an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set as well as a tube pick to manipulate the pins in the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using the standard key.
A broken key extractor can allow you to extract a broken piece of a key that has become jammed in the key hole. This is an excellent tool that can be found in basic car opening sets or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal It's an art form that provides security, ease of use and peace of mind for the owner. This process requires specialized software and machinery. It should be carried out by an experienced locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could cause damage to the lock and cause additional costs for repair or replacement. A badly cut key can cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
It is essential to choose a professional who will cut your spare key with an excellent knife and ensure proper placement of chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear faster and possibly break inside the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure the key is made of the correct kind of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which could harm the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
If your vehicle has a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed following the key cutting process. The keys are encrypted so that only the right key can start the vehicle. If you use a service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able to program the key correctly.
It is recommended to have an additional car key for these kinds of vehicles, so that you don't lose the key you have used to secure it inside the vehicle. This is especially important if you share your car with your family members. Having a spare car key will permit each member to have a separate key chain or lanyard which will prevent accidental lockouts and theft of the key.
It's an excellent idea to check your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. This can save you money if covered. Having a spare key will also be helpful if your car battery fails or you have run out of gas. This will enable you to return to the road quickly without waiting for an tow truck or being stuck in the freezing cold.