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 if you have to pay a high fee at the local car dealership. You will save money if you have your new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is an art that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of advanced machinery to accurately shape keys so that they operate smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This service is essential when you lose your keys or need to have a spare key made. It only takes some minutes to complete the process and it will take away the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a lockout or broken key.
The process of key cutting varies depending on the type of key you need and the level of sophistication of the locks. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones for instance, employ encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require a specific configuration and programming in order to function properly. The key cutting and duplication process is also more difficult when dealing with re-keying locks or if you're trying to cut a new key from an existing one that doesn't have the right code.
Many people choose to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, particularly when they move to a new house or wish to gift copies to family members and friends members. Before you attempt this at home, it's important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. It's essential to use the correct machine and the correct techniques for each of these to ensure a quality key is created.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle, and if done incorrectly, it could lead to incorrect copies that do not fit correctly or even open the lock. A good way to ensure your keys are copied correctly is to take your current working key to a retailer that provides key duplication services. This allows an associate to match it with the key blank and trace its contours onto a precise key cutting machine in the store.
Another benefit of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that you save money with buying a replacement key from a dealer. 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 on the market, each offering an individual blend of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance, are simple and widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings, while mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and come with more security features. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock typically used to secure 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 done at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to proper equipment for programming keys.
For instance some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped like remotes and don't require to be turned in order to start the vehicle. Smart keys have a microchip that is coded for the specific car model and make they use. 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 recommended to always have an extra key, especially if your area has an extremely high rate of crime. This is because car theft is a frequent and relatively simple criminal enterprise. However, if you've lost your car keys it's important to duplicate them as quickly as possible so that you can get back on the road and not waste time trying to find your vehicle.
While Full Review can be cut with an ordinary machine, more advanced keys require special tools and a trained technician to duplicate them correctly. Keys cut with lasers for instance, feature an intricate pattern of long valleys instead of the ridges that are typical of older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complex shape.
Transponder keys are another type of key which requires a professional to cut. They are a typical feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is because they have a microchip in them that needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start.
Tools used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. These include a key duplication machine, which cuts and duplicates standard keys as also automotive keys. You'll need a key decoder that provides measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets and Schlages as well as master keys. Additionally, you'll need an lock pick set as well as an extended reach tool to unlock automobiles. These tools are designed to be used to manipulate the pins in the lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Each one is designed for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is great for beginners or mobile locksmiths who only require cutting one or two keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a manual key cutter.
A key machine that can do everything for you. However it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the top automatic machine currently available.
A vice is a different essential tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being shaped. A large vise is well for a car and a smaller vise will do for vans. A quality vise will last for a long time and it's easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
You might also consider adding a padlock shank into your toolbox. It can be used to remove padlocks by putting an aluminum piece that is wrapped around the shackle. You'll also require locks with picks and a tubular pick, which can be used to alter the pins inside the key hole of the lock. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key like those found in automobiles or commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor allows you to extract the broken piece of key that has gotten stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool to have and it can be found in some basic car opening kits or purchase it on its own.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to the owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. It should be done by an experienced locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock and result in cost-plus repairs or replacement. A poorly cut key could cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
It is important that you select a professional to cut your spare key using an excellent knife and ensure 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. It is also important to make sure the key is made from the correct type of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which could harm the machine that cuts keys or cause your keys to malfunction.
After cutting the key should your vehicle have a transponder or smart key it will require programming. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the correct key is allowed to start the car. If you opt to use a home key duplication service, they might not be capable of programming the new key properly.
For these types of vehicles, it is recommended that you have an extra key in order to avoid losing the original key or locking it inside the car. This is especially true if your car is shared with other family members. The possession of a spare car key allows everyone to have a key chain or lanyard which will help prevent lockouts by accident and the theft of keys.
It's recommended to review your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. This service may save you money if covered. Having a spare key will also assist you in the event that your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. This will enable you to return to the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow-truck or be stuck outside in the frigid winter.