Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be stressful to lose or break keys, especially when you must pay a high fee at your local car dealership. You will save money if you have your spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It involves using advanced machinery to precisely cut keys to ensure they work without a hitch and won't cause damage to the ignition. This service is essential when you have lost your keys or require to have a replacement key made. This process takes just a few minutes and can save you from having to call a professional locksmith in the event of an emergency lockout.
The process of cutting keys is dependent on the level of the lock's complexity and the type of key that you require. Keys that are transponder or intelligent are for instance, which use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require specific configuration and programming in order to function 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 duplicate process can be more difficult.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep an extra. This is especially true when they are moving into a new house or want to give copies of the key to family and friends. Before you attempt this at home, it's important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to make use of the right equipment and the proper methods for each to ensure that a high-quality key is produced.
It can be a hassle to get your keys duplicated. If you do it incorrectly, they may not fit or even be able to open the lock. A good way to ensure your keys are correctly copied is to bring your existing working key to a store which offers key duplication. A staff member will then match it with the blank of your key and trace its contours using an exact key-cutting machine at site.
Another benefit of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that it allows you to avoid the high costs associated with buying keys to replace from a dealership. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by stores who permit customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many types of keys on the market. Each type has its own unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys, for instance, are simple and widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings Mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that fit into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific car systems, in addition to the various cutting techniques. This is typically done by a locksmith or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
For instance, some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped like remotes and do not need to be turned to start the vehicle. Smart keys have a microchip that is coded to match the particular car model and make they can work with. They can be cut and programmed at 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 that has high crime rates. The reason is because car theft has become a common and easy criminal activity. If you have lost your keys, you need to get them replaced as quickly as you can, so that you return to the road and not spend time looking for your car.
While a standard key can be cut with a standard machine, more sophisticated keys require specialized tools and a trained technician to accurately duplicate them. For instance, laser cut keys have a pattern of long valleys that replace the typical ridges that are found on older keys. They are difficult to duplicate due to their complicated shape.
Another type 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 licensed locksmith with the right programming equipment. This is because they have a microchip inside that needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order for it to begin.
Tools Used
If you want to perform key cutting professionally, you'll require a variety of tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys, and automotive keys. You'll need a key decoder that provides measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets, Schlages, and master keys. Also, you'll need locks and picks as well as a long reach tool to unlock cars. These tools are designed to be used to manipulate the pins in a lock cylinder, allowing you to open the door without damaging the lock.
There are many different kinds of key cutting equipment, and each is best for a specific 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 time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a key machine that is manual.
A key machine that is automated does everything for you, however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 automated machine is the best currently available.
A vice is another important tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being made. A large vise is well for a car and smaller vises are suitable for vans. A high-quality, sturdy vise will last for a long time and will make it easier to keep the key in place when filing.
You could also think about adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. It can be used to disassemble padlocks using an aluminum piece that is wrapped around the shackle. You'll also need a lock pick set and a tubular pick. Both are used to move the pins that are in the key hole of locks. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open with a regular key.
Finally, a broken key extractor can allow you to extract a broken piece of the key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is a fantastic tool that is available in basic car opening sets or buy separately.
Safety
It's more than a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to the owner. This process involves specialized machinery and software. It should be carried out by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could cause damage to the lock which could result in additional expenses for replacement or repair. A badly cut key can also cause future problems because it may not fit properly.
It is important that you choose a professional who will cut your spare key with a high-quality knife and ensure proper placement of the chip. Cheaper blades can result in poorer quality cuts that result in the key wearing out more quickly and could break inside the lock. It is also essential to ensure that the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips, which may damage the key cutting machine or cause the key to malfunction.
After cutting the key should your vehicle have a transponder or smart key, it must be programmed. These keys use encryption so that only the correct key is able to start the car. If you decide to utilize a home key duplication service, they might not be capable of programming the new key properly.
For these types of cars it is recommended that you have an extra key to ensure that you don't lose the original key or locking it inside the car. This is particularly true when your car is shared with other family members. A spare key allows each family member to have their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
It's recommended to verify your basic warranty or insurance coverage, as well as roadside assistance coverage. Based on the coverage, this type of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key will also assist you in the event that your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. This will let you return to the road quickly without waiting for a tow truck or be stranded outside in the cold.