Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
A broken or lost spare car key can be a stressful experience especially if replacing it needs you to pay an expense to your local dealership for cars. The good part is that you can save money by having your spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is an art that ensures security, convenience and peace of head for car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology for accurate shaping of keys to ensure that they work smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This is essential when you need a spare or lost keys. This process takes just a few minutes and can save you from needing 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 need and the sophistication of the locks. For example transponder keys and smart keys utilize encryption to ensure that there is no unauthorized use of the car's key. These keys also require special configuration and programming to work correctly. When changing locks, or if you are trying to make a new key out of an old one that does not have the correct code, the key duplicate process can be more complex.
Many people duplicate their keys to have a spare. This is particularly true when they are moving to a new home or wish to give copies of the key to friends and family. Before you attempt this at home, it is important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. To ensure you get a high-quality key, you must make use of the correct equipment and the correct methods.
The process of copying your keys can be a hassle, and if done wrong it could result in incorrect copies that do not fit correctly or even allow you to open the lock. Bring your current working keys to a retailer that offers key duplication to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. A staff member will then match it to the key blank, and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting device on the spot.
You can save money for an replacement key at a dealership by taking your keys to a key-duplication shop. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by stores which allow customers to bring in their keys for duplication.
Types of Keys
There are many kinds of keys available. Each one has its own unique combination of convenience and security. Cylinder keys for instance, are simple and widely used in commercial and residential settings Mortice keys are an essential part of traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks which are commonly used to secure sheds and bicycles.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is usually done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to appropriate equipment for key programming.
For instance many of the most sought-after modern car keys are designed as remotes and are not required to be turned in order to start the vehicle. Smart keys have a microchip that is coded for the specific model and type of car they can use. These keys can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are a member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
It's always best to have a spare key for your car, especially if you live in an area with high rates of crime. This is because car theft is a frequent and fairly easy criminal activity. If you lose your keys, you should duplicate them as soon as you can so that you be back on the road and not waste time looking for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated with a standard machine. However, keys with a more complex design require specialized equipment and a technician with the proper training to do so. Laser cut keys for instance, have patterns that consist of long valleys, not the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Another kind of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. These are a common feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith who has the proper programming equipment. This is due to the fact that they have a microchip in them which needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start.
Tools Used
If you're looking to do 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 also need a key decoder, which provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. Also, you'll need locks and picks as well as an extended reach tool to unlock cars. These tools are specialized and used to manipulate the pins in a lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines, and each one is best for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires the user to manually move the key through the cutter and tracing wheels which is ideal for locksmiths who are new or who only need to cut a couple of keys at each time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that is automated will do everything for you however, it's more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
Another essential tool is a vice which is required to hold the key in place when it's being filed into shape. A large vise will work well for a car and smaller vises are suitable for a van. A quality vise will last for a long period of 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 take padlocks apart using the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins that are inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key.
Finally, a broken key extractor will allow you to extract a broken piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is an excellent tool to have, and you can find it in the basic car opening kits or purchase it separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece It's an art form that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for the car owner. This process requires special equipment and software. This procedure should be handled by an established locksmith or a car dealership. Incorrectly cutting automotive key cutting could cause damage to the lock resulting in extra costs for repair or replacement. Additionally, a cut that isn't done correctly could not fit properly and may cause further problems.
When choosing a professional to cut your car key spare it is essential to select a professional who uses a high-quality blade and ensures the proper placement of the chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear more quickly and may even break inside the lock cylinder. It is also crucial to make sure the key is made of the right type of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which can damage the machine used to cut keys or cause your keys to malfunction.
After cutting the key, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder key or smart key it will need to programmed. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the right key is able to start the car. If you decide to make use of a home key duplicate service, they might not be able to program the new key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, to ensure that you do not lose the original key or secure it inside the vehicle. This is especially important if you share your car with your family members. A spare key allows everyone in the family their own lanyard, which helps prevent accidental lockouts or theft of your car key.
Check your basic warranty coverage, insurance or roadside assistance. This could save you money if covered. A spare key can also help you if your car battery dies or you run out of gas. This will allow you to get back on the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow-truck or be stuck outside in the frigid winter.