Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
The loss or destruction of a spare car key can be a stressful experience particularly if the replacement will require an expensive fee to your local dealership for cars. 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?
Key cutting is a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It requires advanced machinery to accurately shape keys so that they work smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This is essential when you need an extra key or have lost keys. This process takes only minutes and could save you from needing to call a professional locksmith in the event of a lockout.
The procedure of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you require and the sophistication of the locks. Keys that are transponder or intelligent for instance, employ encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car key. Additionally, these keys require a specific configuration and programming for proper operation. When changing locks, or if you attempt to create a new key out of an old one that does not have the correct code, the duplicate process can be more complex.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep an extra. This is especially the case when they move to a new home or want to give copies of the keys to family and friends. Before you attempt this at your home, you need to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to employ the right machine and the right methods for each to ensure that a high-quality key is created.
It can be difficult to duplicate your keys. If done incorrectly, they might not fit properly or even open the lock. A great way to make sure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a retailer that offers key duplication services. An associate will then match it to the blank key and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting device on the site.
You can also avoid paying high prices for keys that are replacement at a dealer by bringing your keys to a key-duplication shop. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by shops which allow customers to bring in their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys available on the market, each with an individual blend of convenience and security. For instance, cylinder keys are widely employed in both commercial and residential settings. Mortice keys, on the other hand, are more secure and are commonly used in traditional buildings. Tubular keys also have an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock commonly used for securing bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a variety of cutting methods modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is usually carried out at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to the appropriate equipment for key programming.
Some of the most popular car keys today are shaped as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. These are called smart keys, and they come with an embedded microchip that is coded to the specific make and model of car that they will be used with. They can be programmed and cut by a qualified locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is advisable to always carry an extra key, particularly in areas that have a high crime rate. This is because car theft has become a common and relatively easy criminal enterprise. However, if you've lost your car keys it's important to duplicate them as quickly as possible so that you can return to the road and not spend time trying to find your vehicle.
While a standard key can be cut by an ordinary machine, more advanced keys require specialized tools and a skilled technician to properly duplicate them. Keys cut with lasers, for example, have a pattern that consists of long valleys, not the ridges that are typical of older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their intricate shape.
Transponder keys are a type of key that requires a professional to cut. They are a standard 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 inside which needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start.
Tools used
You'll require a variety of tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys and automotive keys. You'll require a key decoder that gives measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets and Schlages as well as master keys. You'll also require lockscrews and tools that has a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are used to alter pins in the lock cylinder that allow you to open a door without damaging the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines for cutting keys. Each is designed to work with a specific kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires you to manually move the key around the cutter wheels and tracing and is suitable for beginners or mobile locksmiths who are only required to cut a few keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are great options for a manual key cutter.
An automatic key machine can do everything for you, however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
Another essential tool is a vice which is needed to hold the key while it's being cut into shape. A large vise is perfect for a car, and smaller ones are sufficient for a van. A good vise will last for a long period of time, and it will be easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools you might consider for your toolbox include a padlock shim that is used to take apart padlocks by inserting a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll also require a lock pick set and a tubular pick, which are used to move the pins that are in the key hole of locks. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using regular keys, such as those that are found in cars and commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor allows you to extract pieces of a damaged key that has become stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool that can be found in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal it's an art that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for the owner. This process requires special equipment and software. This procedure should be carried out by an accredited locksmith or car dealership. A cut that is not done correctly could cause damage to the lock and lead to extra costs for repair or replacement. A badly cut key can also cause future problems because it may not fit properly.
It is essential to choose a professional who will cut your spare key using an excellent knife and ensure proper placement of chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in lower quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear out more quickly and may even break inside the lock. It is also crucial to ensure that the key is made of the right type of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could damage the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
After the key cutting, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key it will need to programmed. The keys are encrypted so that only the correct key is able to start the car. If you opt to make use of a home key duplicate service, they might not be capable of programming the new key properly.
It is recommended to carry an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, so you do not lose the original key or lock it in the vehicle. This is particularly true in the event that you share your car with your family members. A spare key enables every family member to have their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Review your basic warranty coverage, insurance or roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service could save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key can be useful in the event that you have run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery dies. This will allow you to return to the road in a hurry without waiting for a tow truck, or be stranded in the cold.