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, especially when you are required to pay a hefty price at your local car dealership. You will save money if you have the spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store close to 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 advanced machinery to accurately shape keys to ensure that they function without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This service is essential when you have lost your keys or require to have a spare key made. It takes only some minutes to complete the process and it could save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a locked out or damaged key.
The process of key cutting is different based on the type of key you require and the sophistication of the locks. Transponder keys and intelligent keys, for example, use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require a specific configuration and programming in order to function correctly. When you are re-keying locks or you are trying to make a new key out of an old one that does not have the proper code, the duplicate process could be more complicated.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep a spare. This is especially relevant when they move to a new home or wish to give copies of the keys to relatives and friends. It's crucial to know the distinction between key duplication and cutting before you attempt this at home. It is essential to use the correct machine and the right techniques for each to ensure a quality key is produced.
The process of copying your keys can be a hassle and when done incorrectly, it could lead to faulty copies that will not fit properly or will not even allow you to open the lock. One way to ensure your keys are correctly copied is to bring your current working key to a store that provides key duplication services. A staff member will then match it with the blank key, and trace its contours with an exact key-cutting machine at site.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a duplication shop is that you avoid the high prices associated with purchasing a replacement key from a dealership. In addition, you can take advantage of discounts offered by stores that permit customers to bring in their own keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many types of keys available. Each one offers a unique combination of convenience and security. Cylinder keys, for example are easy to use and widely used in both residential and commercial settings and mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are used to secure sheds and bicycles.
Modern keys can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting methods. This is usually performed at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the proper equipment for programming keys.
For instance, many of the most sought-after modern car keys are designed like remotes and do not need to be turned in order to start the car. Smart keys have a microchip that is coded to match the particular model and make of car they can use. These keys can be programmed and cut by a qualified locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is always advisable to keep a spare car key particularly if you live in an area with high crime rates. This is due to the fact that stealing cars has become a common and relatively easy criminal enterprise. If you lose your keys, you need to duplicate them as soon as you can so that you get on the road again and not waste time searching for your car.
While a standard key can be cut with a standard machine, more sophisticated keys require special tools and a skilled technician to properly duplicate them. For example, keys cut with lasers are characterized by long valleys that replace usual ridges on older keys. They are more difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Transponder keys are a type of key which requires a professional to cut. They are a typical feature in 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 must be programmed to the vehicle in order for it to start.
Tools Used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. They include the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates regular keys as well as keys for cars. Also, you'll need a key decoder that gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. You'll also need lockscrews and a tool 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 breaking the lock.
There are many different kinds of key cutting machines and each one is suitable for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move 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 the same time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a manual key cutter.
A key machine that is automated can do everything for you, but it's a little more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the most effective automated machine available today.
Another essential tool is a vice, that is used to hold the key in place when it's being shaped. A large vise is perfect for a car, and smaller ones are sufficient for a van. A good quality, beefy vise will last a long time and will make it easier to keep the key in place while filing.
Other tools you might consider for your toolbox include the padlock shim that can be used to break up padlocks by placing the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also require a lock pick set and a tubular pick. Both are used to manipulate the pins that are in the key hole of the lock. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open with the standard key.
A broken key extractor lets you remove a piece of a broken key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is a great tool that can be found in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece it's an art that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for the car owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. This process should be performed by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A wrongly cut key could cause damage to the lock and result in extra costs for repair or replacement. Additionally a key that is not cut correctly could not fit properly and cause future problems.
When deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key it is essential to select one that uses a high-quality blade and ensures the proper placement of the chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear out faster and could break within the lock cylinder. It is also important to ensure that the key is made from the right type of metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could damage the machine that cuts keys or cause your keys to malfunction.
After cutting key cutting services , in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder key or smart key it must be programmed. The keys are encrypted so that only the right key can start the car. If you use an online service that duplicates keys at home, you might not be able program the key correctly.
For these types of vehicles it is recommended that you have an additional key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially true when your car is shared with other family members. A spare key allows everyone in the family their personal lanyard. This prevents accidental lockouts or theft of the car key.
It's recommended to review your basic warranty or insurance coverage, as well as roadside assistance coverage. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. Having a spare key will also help you if your car battery goes out 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 stranded outside in the cold.