Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be stressful to lose or break a spare key, especially if you have to pay a hefty price at the local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having your new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to 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 don't damage the ignition. This is essential in the event that you require an extra key or have lost keys. It takes just some minutes to complete the process, and it will take away the hassle of having to call a locksmith with a locked out or damaged key.
The procedure for cutting keys differs based on the complexity of the lock and the type of key that you require. Keys that are transponder or intelligent for instance, employ encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. Additionally they require specific programming and configuration in order to work properly. When you are re-keying locks or you are trying to make a new key out of an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the duplicate process could be more complex.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, particularly when they move into a new home or want to give copies to family members and friends members. Before you decide to try this at your home, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. To ensure you get the best quality key, it's important to use the correct machine and the right techniques.
The process of copying your keys can be a hassle and if it is done wrong, it could lead to incorrect copies that do not fit properly or will not even be able to open the lock. Bring your keys that are working to a retailer that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. This will allow an associate to match it with the key blank and trace its contours onto an exact key cutting machine in the store.
You can also avoid paying a high price for keys that are replacement at a dealer by taking your keys to a key-duplication shop. In addition to this you can also take advantage of discounts that are provided by shops that allow customers to bring in their own keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys on the market. Each type has its own unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance are easy to use and widely used in both residential and commercial settings and mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and come with more security features. Similarly, tubular keys have an elongated shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock, commonly used for securing sheds and bikes.
In addition to a variety of cutting methods modern keys can also be programmed to be compatible with specific vehicle systems. This is usually performed at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to correct key programming equipment.
For instance, some of the most popular modern car keys are designed like remotes and are not required to be turned to start the car. They are referred to as smart keys, and they come with a microchip in them that is programmed to the specific brand and model of car that they will work with. They can only be programmed and cut by a locksmith who is a member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
It's best to always have an extra key, particularly in areas that have high rates of crime. The reason is that car theft has become a common and easy criminal activity. However, if you've lost your keys to your car, it's crucial to duplicate them quickly to get back on the road and not waste time searching for your vehicle.
While a standard key can be cut with an ordinary machine, more sophisticated keys require specialized tools and a trained technician to duplicate them correctly. For instance, laser cut keys are characterized by long valleys that replace the typical ridges found on older keys and are more difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Another type of key that requires an expert to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the right programming equipment. They contain a microchip which must be programmed into the vehicle in order to enable it to start.
Tools used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. They include key duplication machines, which cuts and duplicates standard keys as well as keys for cars. You'll need a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages, as well as master keys. Also, you'll need locks and picks as well as long reach tools for unlocking cars. These tools are used to manipulate pins in a lock cylinder to allow you to open a door without damaging the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting equipment, and each one is best for a particular type of lock. A manual key cutter requires the user to manually move the key across the tracing and cutter wheels which is ideal for locksmiths who are new or who need to cut a couple of keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that is automated will do everything for you however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
Another essential tool is a vice that is used to hold the key while it's being cut into shape. A large vise is well for a car and a smaller vise will do for the van. A high-quality, sturdy vise will last a long time and help keep the key in place while filing.
You might also think about adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. This is used to remove padlocks by putting an aluminum piece that is wrapped around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set and tube picks to move the pins that are inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key.
A broken key extractor can allow you to remove an unusable piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is a useful tool to have and it can be found in basic car opening kits or purchase it 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 vehicle owner. car key cutting and programming requires specialized equipment and software. This procedure should be handled by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock, leading to cost-plus costs for repair or replacement. A poorly cut key could 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 high-end knives and ensure the proper positioning of chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear faster and possibly break inside the lock cylinder. Also, it is essential to make sure that the key is made of the correct metal type. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could harm the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
If your vehicle has a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed following the cutting process. The keys are encrypted so that only the right key can start the vehicle. If you choose to use a home key duplication service, they may not be in a position to program the new key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an extra car key for these types of vehicles, so you don't lose the key you have used to put it in the car. This is especially important when your car is shared with other family members. Having 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.
Check your warranty coverage basics or roadside assistance. This service may save you money if covered. Having a spare key will also help you if your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will enable you to get back on the road in a hurry without having to wait for a tow truck or getting stuck in the freezing cold.