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 exorbitant amount to your local dealership for cars. The good part is that you can save money by having your spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery for accurate shaping of keys to make sure they function smoothly and don't cause damage to the ignition. This service is crucial when you are locked out of your keys or you need to have a spare key made. It only takes some minutes to complete the process, and it can save you the stress of having to call a locksmith to help with a broken or locked key.
The procedure for cutting keys differs based on the complexity of the lock and the type of key you require. Transponder keys and intelligent keys, for example, use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require a special configuration and programming to work properly. When you are re-keying locks or you are trying to make an entirely new key from an old one that does not have the correct code, the duplicate process could be more complicated.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they're moving to a new house or want to give copies to family and friends members. However, it's important to understand the difference between key duplication and cutting before you attempt this at home. To ensure you get the best quality key, you must use the right machine and the right techniques.
It can be a pain to get your keys duplicated. If you do it incorrectly, they may not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. Bring your keys that are working to a shop that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. This will allow the 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 an additional key from a dealership. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by shops that permit customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys on the market, each offering the perfect balance of security and convenience. Cylinder keys, for example, are simple and widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings Mortice keys are an essential part of traditional buildings and offer more security features. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock, often used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific car systems, in addition to the various cutting methods. how much to get car key cut is usually performed at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the proper equipment for programming keys.
Some of the most sought-after car keys today are shaped as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. Smart keys contain an embedded microchip that has been programmed to match the particular model and type of car they work with. These keys can be programmed and cut at a qualified locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is always advisable to have a spare key for your car particularly if you live in a region with high crime rates. This is because car theft is now a regular and relatively easy criminal enterprise. If you have lost your keys, you should get them duplicated as soon as you can so that you get on the road again and not spend time searching for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated using the standard machine. However, more advanced keys require special equipment and technicians with the proper training to do so. Laser cut keys for instance, have an intricate pattern of long valleys, not the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complicated shape.
Another kind of key that requires an expert to cut is the transponder key. These keys are common in newer vehicles and can only by duplicated by a locksmith who has the right programming equipment. They contain a microchip which must be programmed into the vehicle to make it start.
Tools Used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive keys. You'll need a key decoder that gives measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets, Schlages, and master keys. You'll also require a lockpick set and tools with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are specialized and used to move the pins within the lock cylinder, allowing you to open the door without damaging the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Each is made specifically for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter will require you to manually move the key through the cutter and tracing wheels which is ideal for beginners or mobile locksmiths who are only required to cut a few keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key machine.
A crucial machine that is automatic does all the work for you. However, it is more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the best automatic machine that is currently available.
Another essential tool is a vice, which is required to hold the key while it's being filed into shape. A large vise is perfect for a car, whereas smaller ones are sufficient for a van. A quality vise will last for a long period of time, and it's easier to keep your key in place while filing.
You may also want to consider 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 locks with picks and a tubular pick. Both can be used to alter the pins inside the key hole of a lock. These tools are especially helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open with regular keys, such as those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to remove a piece of a broken key that has gotten stuck in the keyhole. This is a useful tool to have and it can be found in the basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
It's more than a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for the owner. This process requires specialized software and machinery. This procedure should be carried out by an accredited car dealership or locksmith. Incorrectly cutting a key could damage the lock, which could result in additional expenses for replacement or repair. A key that is not cut correctly could cause problems in the future because it might not fit correctly.
It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key using a high-quality knife and ensure the correct positioning of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear faster and could break within the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure that the key is made from the correct metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chip of low quality, which could harm the machine that cuts keys or cause keys to malfunction.
After the key cutting, should your vehicle have a transponder key or smart key, it will need to programmed. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the correct key is used to start the car. If you decide to make use of a home key duplicate service, they may not be in a position to program the new key properly.
For these kinds of vehicles, it is recommended that you have an extra key to ensure that you don't lose the original key or locking it inside the car. This is especially important when 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 prevent accidental lockouts and the theft of keys.
It's an excellent idea to verify your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. This could save you money if covered. A spare key can also be useful if you have run out of fuel or your car's battery dies. This will let you return to the road quickly and without waiting for a tow-truck or be stranded outside in the cold.