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, particularly when you are required to pay a high fee at the local car dealership. You can save money if you have your spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It is an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of advanced machinery to accurately shape keys to ensure that they function without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This service is crucial in the event that you require an extra key or lost keys. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process and it could save you the hassle of having contact a locksmith with a locked out or damaged key.
The process of cutting keys differs based on the kind of key you need and the sophistication of the locks. car key cutting cost with transponders and intelligent ones for instance, employ encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. In addition, these keys require a specific configuration and programming in order to work properly. The key duplication and cutting process can be more complicated when it comes to re-keying locks or when you're trying to cut a new key from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code.
Many people duplicate their keys to have a spare. This is especially relevant when they move into a new house or wish to give copies of the key to relatives and friends. Before you attempt this at your home, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. To ensure you receive the best quality key, it's important to use the correct machine and the correct methods.
The process of copying your keys is a pain and when done improperly, it could lead to faulty copies that will not fit properly or will not even be able to open the lock. A great way to make sure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a shop which offers key duplication. This will allow an associate to match it up with the blank key and trace its contours onto the precise key cutting machine onsite.
You can also avoid paying high prices for a replacement key at a dealer by bringing your keys to a key duplication shop. In addition, you can take advantage of discounts provided by shops that allow customers to bring in their own keys to be duplicated.
Keys in various types
There are a variety of keys available on the market, each with the perfect balance of convenience and protection. For instance Cylinder keys are commonly employed in both commercial and residential settings. Mortice keys, on the other hand are more secure and are typically found in traditional buildings. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks which are typically used to secure sheds and bicycles.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicles, as well as the various cutting techniques. This is typically done by a locksmith, or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
For instance, some of the most well-known modern car keys are shaped like remotes and are not required to be turned in order to start the car. These are called smart keys. They have a microchip in them that is programmed to the specific brand and model of car that they work with. These keys can be programmed and cut at a qualified locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is always advisable to keep a spare car key especially if you reside in an area with high rates of crime. The reason is that car theft is now a common and easy crime. If you have lost your keys, you need to duplicate them as soon as you can so that you return to the road and not waste your time searching for your vehicle.
While a standard key can be cut by a standard machine, more complex keys require specialized tools and a skilled technician to properly duplicate them. For instance, laser cut keys feature a pattern of long valleys that replace typical ridges that are found on older keys and are harder to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Another kind of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith who has the proper programming equipment. This is because they contain a microchip inside that needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to start.
Tools used
If you're planning to perform key cutting professionally, you'll require a variety of tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys, as well as automotive keys. Also, you'll need a key decoder, which provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys as well as Schlage. In addition, you'll require locks and picks as well as an extended reach tool to unlock vehicles. These tools are used to manipulate pins in the lock cylinder that allow the door to be opened without breaking the lock.
There are many different key cutting machines. Each is designed specifically for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter will require the user to manually move the key around the tracing and cutter wheels, which is fine for beginners or mobile locksmiths who need to cut a couple of keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that is automated does everything for you, however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 is the best automatic machine that is currently available.
Another important tool is a vice which is needed to hold the key in place when it's being cut into shape. A large vise is well for a car and smaller vises are suitable for the van. A good quality, beefy vise will last for a long time and will aid in keeping the key in place when filing.
You may also want to think about adding a padlock shank into your toolbox. It can be used to take padlocks apart using a thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also require an lock pick set as well as a tubular pick. Both can be used to alter the pins in the key hole of the lock. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using a standard key.
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 to have and you can find it in some basic car opening kits or purchase it separately.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that gives security and ease of mind for the owner. This process requires special software and machinery. This process should be performed by a reputable car dealership or locksmith. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock, which could result in cost-plus costs for replacement or repair. A poorly cut key could also cause future problems as it may not fit properly.
When deciding on a professional to cut your car key spare it is crucial to select one that employs a top-quality blade and ensures the correct positioning of the chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear faster and possibly break inside the lock cylinder. Also, it is essential to ensure that the key is made of the correct metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which can damage the machine used to cut keys or cause your keys to malfunction.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed after the key cutting process. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the correct key can start the vehicle. If you are using a service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able program the key correctly.
For these types of vehicles it is recommended that you have an extra 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 everyone in the family their own lanyard, which helps prevent accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Review your basic warranty coverage or roadside assistance. This service may save you money if covered. A spare key could be useful if you are running out of fuel or your car's battery fails to. This will let you get back on the road quickly without waiting for a tow-truck or be trapped outside in the cold.