Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be a stressful experience to lose or break a spare key, especially when you must pay a hefty price at the local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having your spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art form that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It involves using advanced machinery for precise shaping keys to make sure they work without a hitch and won't cause damage to the ignition. This service is vital when you need an extra key or lost keys. This process takes only a few minutes and can save you from needing to call a professional locksmith in the case of an emergency lockout.
The process of key cutting is different based on the type of key you require as well as the sophistication of the locks. For cost to get a key cut that are transponder and smart keys employ encryption to ensure that there is no unauthorized use of the car's keys. They also require a special configuration and programming to work properly. When changing locks, or if you attempt to create a new key from an old one that does not have the correct code, the key duplication process can be more complex.
Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, especially when they're moving into a new home or want to give copies to friends and family members. Before you attempt this at your home, it is important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. It's essential to make use of the right equipment and the proper methods for each to ensure a top quality key is created.
It can be a pain to get your keys duplicated. If you do it incorrectly, they may not fit or even be able to open the lock. Bring your current working keys to a store offering key duplication to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. An associate can then match it to the blank of your key and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting device on site.
Another benefit of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that it allows you to avoid the high prices associated with purchasing keys to replace from a dealership. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys available. Each has its own unique combination of convenience and security. Cylinder keys, for example are easy to use and widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings Mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are commonly used to secure sheds and bicycles.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting techniques. This is typically carried out at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the appropriate equipment for key programming.
Many of the most well-known car keys are now designed as remotes, and they don't require turning to start the car. Smart keys contain an embedded microchip that has been programmed to match the particular model and make of car they work with. They can be programmed and cut at an experienced locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always best to have a spare car key particularly if you live in an area with high rates of crime. This is because car theft is now a regular and relatively easy criminal enterprise. However, if you lose your car keys it's important to duplicate them as quickly as possible so that you can get back on the road and not spend time looking for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated using a standard machine. However, more advanced keys require specialized equipment and a technician with the proper training to do so. Keys made with lasers for instance, feature an intricate pattern of long valleys rather than the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Another type of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are found in newer cars and can only be duplicated by a locksmith who has the appropriate equipment for programming. They contain a microchip which must be programmed into the vehicle in order to make it start.
Tools used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys, and automotive keys. Also, you'll need a key decoder, which offers measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. Also, you'll need an lock pick set as well as an extended reach tool for unlocking cars. 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 for cutting keys. Each one is designed to work with a specific type of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move 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 is automatic can do everything for you, however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the best automated machine available today.
A vice is another important tool. It is used to hold the key in place while it is being shaped. A large vise is perfect for a car, while smaller ones are sufficient for vans. A good vise will last for a long period of time, and it's easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
You might also consider 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 as well as tube picks to move the pins inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are especially helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open with a regular key.
A broken key extractor will allow you to extract the broken piece of a key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is a great tool that is available in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece, it's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for the car owner. This process requires specialized software and machinery. This process should be performed by an established locksmith or a car dealership. A wrongly cut key could cause damage to the lock and lead to additional costs for repair or replacement. A poorly cut key could also cause future problems because it may not fit properly.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key, it is important to select one that employs a top-quality blade and ensures the proper placement of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in poorer quality cuts that result in the key wearing out faster and possibly even break inside the lock. Also, it is essential to make sure that the key is made of the correct metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chip of low quality, which could harm the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will have to be programmed following the cutting process. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure only the right key is able to start the car. If you choose to make use of a home key duplicate service, they may not be able to program the new key properly.
It is recommended to have an additional car key for these kinds of vehicles, so that you don't lose the original or put it in the car. This is especially true if you share your car with family members. A spare key enables every family member to have their own lanyard, which helps prevent accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Check your warranty coverage basics, insurance or roadside assistance. This could save you money if it is covered. Having a spare key will also assist you in the event that your car battery goes out or you are running out of gas. This will let you get back on the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow truck, or be stuck in the freezing cold.