Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
Losing or breaking a spare car key can be very stressful, especially if the replacement requires that you pay an expense to your local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having the new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It’s an art that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology for precise shaping keys to make sure they work without a hitch and won’t harm the ignition. This is a must-have service if you have lost your keys or require to have a new key made. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process, and it will take away the hassle of having to call a locksmith to help with a locked out or damaged key.
The process of cutting keys varies according to the level of the lock’s complexity and the type of key you require. For instance, transponder keys and smart keys use encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car’s keys. In addition they require specific programming and configuration to function properly. When re-keying locks, or when you attempt to create an entirely new key from an older one that doesn’t have the correct code, the duplicate process can be more complicated.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare particularly when they move into a new home or want to distribute copies to family and friends members. It’s crucial to understand the difference between cutting and key duplication before you attempt this at home. To ensure you get an excellent key, it’s important to make use of the correct equipment and the correct techniques.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle, and if done wrong, it could lead to flawed copies that won’t fit correctly or even open the lock. A good way to ensure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a shop which offers key duplication. An associate will then match it with the blank of your key and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting machine on site.
You can also avoid paying a high price for a replacement key cutter for cars at a dealership by bringing your keys to a key duplication shop. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by shops who permit customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each type offers a unique combination of convenience and security. For instance Cylinder keys are widely employed in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys however are more secure and are typically used in traditional buildings. Tubular keys also have an elongated shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock often used to secure sheds and bikes.
In addition to a variety of cutting methods keys of today can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is usually done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access appropriate equipment for key programming.
For instance some of the most well-known modern car keys are designed as remotes and don’t require to be turned in order to start the vehicle. These are called smart keys and they have an embedded microchip that is coded to the specific brand and model of car that it will use. These keys can only be programmed and cut by a locksmith who is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is always advisable to have a spare key for your car especially if you reside in a region with high rates of crime. This is due to the fact that stealing cars has become a common and fairly easy criminal activity. If you lose your keys, it’s best to get them duplicated as soon as you can, so that you return to the road and not waste your time looking for your vehicle.
While a simple key can be cut using an ordinary machine, more advanced keys require special tools and a trained technician to properly duplicate them. Laser cut keys, for example, have a pattern that consists of long valleys, not the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their intricate shape.
Another type of key that requires a professional to cut is the transponder key. These keys are common in newer cars and can only by duplicated by a locksmith using the right programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to make it start.
Tools Used
If you’re looking to do key cutting professionally, you’ll require several tools. This includes key duplication machines, that cuts and duplicates standard keys, as well as automotive keys. You’ll require a key decoder that gives measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks, Schlages, and master keys. You’ll also require a lockpick set and an instrument with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are designed to be used to alter the pins inside the lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without damaging the lock.
There are many different kinds of key cutting machines, and each one is best for a specific type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for locksmiths who are new or mobile who only require cutting one or two keys at the same time. The JMA Nomad and Car Keys Cut And Programmed Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key cutter.
An automatic key machine 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.
A vice is another important tool. It is used to hold the key while it is being shaped. A large vise is well for a car while smaller vises will work for the van. A good vise will last for a long time, and it’s easier to keep your key in place while filing.
Other tools you could consider for your toolbox include padlock shims that is used to break up padlocks by inserting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You’ll require a lockpick set and an instrument to manipulate the pins inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open with regular keys, such as those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to remove the broken piece of key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool that is available 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. This process should be performed by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock and result in cost-plus repairs or replacement. A badly cut key can also cause future problems as it may not fit properly.
It is crucial to select a professional to cut your spare key with a high-quality knife and ensure proper placement of chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear faster and could break within the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure that the key is made from the correct metal type. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which could harm the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
If your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will have to be programmed after the key cutting process. The keys are encrypted so that only the right key is able to start the vehicle. If you use an online service that duplicates keys at home, they may be unable to program the key correctly.
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 especially true if you share your car with your family members. A spare key allows every family member to have their personal lanyard. This prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
It’s also a good idea to check 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 duplication and replacement. Having a spare key will also assist you in the event that your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will enable you to get back on the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow-truck or be trapped outside in the cold.