Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be a stressful experience to lose or break keys, especially if you have to pay a hefty price at your local car dealership. The good news is that you could save money by having the new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
It is an art form that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology for precise shaping keys to ensure they function smoothly and don't cause damage to the ignition. This is essential when you need an extra key or lost your keys. It takes just some minutes to complete the process and it will take away the stress of having to call a locksmith with a locked out or damaged key.
The process of cutting keys differs based on the level of the lock's complexity and the type of key that you require. Keys that are transponder or intelligent are for instance, which use encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require a specific configuration and programming to function properly. Key duplication and cutting process is also more difficult when you're trying to re-key locks or if you're trying to cut the new key from an existing one that doesn't have the right code.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep a spare. This is particularly the case when they move to a new home or want to give copies of the key to relatives and friends. Before you attempt this at home, it's important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to use the correct machine and the proper techniques for each to ensure a quality key is created.
It can be a hassle to get your keys duplicated. If done incorrectly, they may not fit or even be able to open the lock. Bring your current keys to a shop that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. An associate can then match it with the key blank and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting device on the spot.
You can also avoid paying high prices for keys that are replacement at a dealership by bringing 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 their own keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys available. Each provides a distinct combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance are a simple lock that is widely used in both residential and commercial settings and mortice keys are an essential part of traditional structures and provide more security features. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock, commonly used for securing bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is usually done at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the correct key programming equipment.
For example, some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped like remotes, and do not need to be turned in order to start the vehicle. These are called smart keys. They have an embedded microchip that is programmed to the specific make and model of car they will be used with. These keys can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is advisable to always carry a spare key, especially in areas that have high rates of crime. This is due to the fact that stealing cars is a frequent and relatively simple criminal enterprise. However, if you've lost your car keys it's important to duplicate them quickly to return to the road and not spend time trying to find your vehicle.
While a basic key can be cut by an ordinary machine, more advanced keys require special tools and a trained technician to duplicate them correctly. Keys made with lasers, for example, have patterns that consist of long valleys, not the ridges common to 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. These are a common feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is due to the fact that they have a microchip inside that needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to start.
Tools used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. locksmith key cutting include a key duplication machine, which can cut and duplicate regular keys as also automotive keys. You'll require a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks, Schlages, and master keys. You'll also require lockscrews and an instrument with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are used to alter pins inside the lock cylinder, allowing you to open doors without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines, and each one is best for a particular type of lock. A manual key cutter requires the user to manually move the key around the cutter wheels and tracing, which is fine for those who are just beginning or who need to cut a few keys at a time. Manual key machines, such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
An automatic key machine does everything for you, however, it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the top automatic machine that is currently available.
Another important tool is a vice which is required to hold the key in place when it's being shaped. A large vise will work well for a car and smaller vises are suitable for the van. A high-quality, sturdy vise will last for a long time and will help keep the key in place when filing.
Other tools to consider for your toolbox include a padlock shim that is used to break up padlocks by putting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also require locks with picks and a tubular pick, which are used to manipulate the pins that are in the key hole of a lock. These tools are especially useful for picking locks which are difficult to open using a standard key.
A broken key extractor will allow you to remove the broken piece of the key that is jammed in the key hole. This is an excellent tool that you can find in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece, it's an art that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. It should be carried out by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A cut that is not done correctly could damage the lock and result in additional costs for repair or replacement. A key that is not cut correctly could cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your car key spare it is essential to select a professional who utilizes a high-quality blade that ensures the proper placement of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in less-than-quality cuts that can result in the key wearing out faster and possibly even break inside the lock. It is also important to ensure that the key is made from the right type of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which could harm the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
After cutting the key, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will require programming. These keys use encryption so that only the right key is able to start the vehicle. If you choose to utilize a home key duplication service, they may not be capable of programming the new key properly.
For these types of vehicles it is recommended you have an additional key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is particularly true if your car is shared with other family members. Having a spare car key will allow each member to have their own key chain or lanyard, which will prevent accidental lockouts and the theft of the key.
Review your warranty coverage basics or roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplication and replacement. A spare key will also assist you in the event that your car battery fails or you run out of gas. This will let you return to the road quickly without waiting on a tow-truck or being stranded outside in the cold.