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 when you are required to pay a large amount at your local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having your spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It is an art form that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery to precisely cut keys so that they work smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This service is essential when you lose your keys or need to have a new key made. This process takes only minutes and could help you avoid needing to contact a locksmith professional in the case of an emergency lockout.
The key-cutting process differs based on the degree of complexity of the lock as well as the type of key that you require. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones are for instance, which use encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. Additionally they require specific programming and configuration for proper operation. The key cutting and duplication process is also more complex when you're trying to re-key locks or trying to cut a new key from an existing one that doesn't have the right code in it.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, especially when they move into a new home or wish to gift copies to family members and friends members. However, it's important to know the difference between key duplication and cutting before you decide to try this at home. It is essential to employ the right machine and the right techniques for each to ensure a top quality key is produced.
The process of copying your keys is a pain and if done wrong, it could lead to flawed copies that won't fit properly or will not even open the lock. A good way to ensure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a store that provides key duplication services. An associate will then match it with the blank key, and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting machine on site.
You can also avoid paying high prices for keys that are replacement at a dealer by taking your keys to a key duplication shop. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by shops that permit customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys on the market. car keys cutting has its own unique combination of security and convenience. For instance, cylinder keys are widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys are, however are more secure and are often used in traditional buildings. Tubular keys also have an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock commonly used for securing sheds and bikes.
In addition to a range of cutting methods modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is usually performed at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to the correct key programming equipment.
For example, some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped as remotes and do not need to be turned in order to start the vehicle. Smart keys contain an embedded microchip that has been programmed to match the particular model and type of car they use. These keys can be programmed and cut by the hands of a locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always best to keep a spare car key especially if you reside in a region with high crime rates. The reason is that car theft has become a relatively common and easy criminal activity. If you have lost your keys, you should get them replaced as quickly as you can, so that you be back on the road and not waste time looking for your vehicle.
While a simple key can be cut using an ordinary machine, more complex keys require specialized tools and a skilled technician to duplicate them correctly. For example, keys cut with lasers feature a pattern of long valleys that replace usual ridges on older keys. They are harder to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key which requires a professional for cutting. They are found in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a locksmith who has the appropriate programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to allow it to start.
Tools Used
If you're planning to perform key cutting professionally, you'll need several tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive ones. You'll need an instrument to decode keys that can provide measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages as well as master keys. You'll also need an lockpick set as well as an instrument with a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are designed to be used to manipulate the pins in the lock cylinder to allow you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are many different key cutting machines. Each is made to work with a specific kind of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for beginners or mobile locksmiths who only need to cut one or two keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key cutter.
An automatic key machine will do everything for you but it's a little more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the top automatic machine that is currently available.
Another important tool is a vice, that is used to hold the key when it's being filed into shape. A large vise would work well for a car, while a smaller vise will do for vans. A sturdy, high-quality vise will last for a long time and help keep the key in place when filing.
You could also consider 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 require an lock pick set as well as a tubular pick, which are used to manipulate the pins inside the key hole of a lock. These tools are especially useful for picking locks that are difficult to open with the standard key like those that are found in cars and commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to extract pieces of a damaged key that has become stuck in the keyhole. This is a fantastic tool that you can find in basic car opening sets or buy separately.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for the owner. This procedure requires specialized tools and software. It should be done 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. In addition, a cut that isn't done correctly might not fit correctly and cause future problems.
When deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key it is crucial to select a professional who uses a high-quality blade and ensures the proper placement of the chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear faster and could break within the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure the key is made from the correct type of metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could harm the machine used to cut keys or cause keys to malfunction.
If your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed following the key cutting process. These keys use encryption so that only the right key can be used to start the vehicle. If you opt to utilize a home key duplication service, they might not be in a position to program the new key correctly.
For these types of vehicles it is recommended that you have an additional key to ensure that you don't lose the original or locking it inside the car. This is particularly true when your car is shared with other family members. A spare key enables every family member to have their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Check your warranty coverage for basic warranties and roadside assistance. Based on the coverage, this kind of service could 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 run out of gas. This will enable you to return to the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow truck or getting trapped in the frigid winter.