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 stressful particularly if the replacement needs you to pay an expensive fee to your local car dealership. The good news 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 form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery to precisely cut keys to ensure that they function without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This service is essential when you are locked out of your keys or you need to have a replacement key made. It takes just a few minutes to complete the process and it can save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a lockout or broken key.
The procedure of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you require and the sophistication of the locks. For example keys that are transponder and smart keys use encryption to ensure that there is no unauthorized use of the car's keys. They also require specific configuration and programming to function properly. When you are re-keying locks or you are trying to make a new key from an older one that doesn't have the proper code, the duplication process can be more complicated.
Many people duplicate their keys in order to have an extra. This is particularly relevant when they move to a new home or wish to give copies of their keys to relatives and friends. However, it's essential to know the difference between key duplication and cutting before you decide to try this at home. To ensure that you get the best quality key, it's important to use the right machine and the correct techniques.
It can be a hassle to duplicate your keys. If you do it incorrectly, they may not fit or even be able to open the lock. Bring your keys that are working to a retailer that offers key duplication to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. car key cut will allow an associate to match it with the blank key and trace its contours on a precise key cutting machine on site.
You can also avoid paying a high price for keys that are replacement at a dealer by bringing your keys to a key-duplication shop. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys on the market, each with a unique balance of convenience and protection. Cylinder keys, for example are easy to use and widely used in commercial and residential settings Mortice keys are a staple of traditional buildings and offer more security features. Similar to tubular keys, tubular keys feature an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock, typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed to work with specific car systems, in addition to the various cutting techniques. This is typically performed by a locksmith or a dealership with the right key programming equipment.
For example, some of the most popular modern car keys are designed like remotes and don't require to be turned to start the car. Smart keys have an embedded microchip which is programmed to match the particular model and make of car they will use. These keys can be programmed and cut at an experienced locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is advisable to always carry an extra key, especially in areas with an extremely high rate of crime. This is because car theft is now a regular and relatively easy criminal enterprise. If you have lost your keys, it's best to get them replaced as quickly as possible so you can be back on the road and not waste your time looking for your vehicle.
While a basic key can be cut with an ordinary machine, more advanced keys require special tools and a skilled technician to accurately duplicate them. Laser cut keys, for example, have a pattern that consists of long valleys rather than the ridges that are typical of older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their intricate shape.
Another kind of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a typical feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the right programming equipment. They are equipped with a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to allow it to start.
Tools used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. They include the key duplication machine which can cut and duplicate standard keys, as well as automotive keys. You'll also need a key decoder, which gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. Additionally, you'll need locks and picks as well as a long reach tool for unlocking vehicles. These tools are specialized and used to move the pins within a lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without damaging the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting machines, and each is best for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is great for those who are just starting out or that only need to cut one or two keys at a given time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that is automatic will do everything for you however, it's more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 is the top automatic machine currently available.
Another important tool is a vice which is required to hold the key when it's being cut into shape. A large vise would work well for a car while smaller vises are suitable for vans. A vise of good quality will last for a long time and it will be much easier to keep your key in place while filing.
Other tools you might think about adding to your toolbox are a padlock shim, which is used to break up padlocks by inserting a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins that are inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are especially useful for picking locks which are difficult to open using the standard key.
Finally, a broken key extractor will allow you to take out a broken piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is a fantastic tool that you can find 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 for the owner. This procedure requires specialized tools and software. This process should be performed by an accredited car dealership or locksmith. Incorrectly cutting a key could damage the lock, resulting in cost-plus costs for replacement or repair. In addition, a cut that isn't done correctly may not fit properly and could cause problems in the future.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key it is essential to select a professional who employs a top-quality blade and ensures the correct positioning of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear more quickly and may even break inside the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure the key is made of the correct kind of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which can damage the machine used to cut keys or cause keys to malfunction.
If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed after the key cutting process. The keys are encrypted so that only the correct key is able to start the car. If you use an online service that duplicates keys at home, they may be unable to program the key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an additional car key for these types of vehicles, to ensure that you do not lose the original key or put it in the car. This is particularly true in the case of cars shared with other family members. A spare car key will allow each family member to have a separate key chain or lanyard that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and the theft of keys.
It's recommended to review your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. This could save you money if covered. A spare key can also be helpful if you are running out of fuel or your car's battery goes out of. This will allow you to get back to the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow truck or be stranded outside in the cold.