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, particularly if you have to pay a high fee at your local car dealership. You can save money if you have your 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 sophisticated equipment to precisely cut keys so that they work without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This service is essential when you lose your keys or need to have a new key made. It only takes some minutes to complete the process and it can save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a locked out or damaged key.
The process of cutting keys is dependent on the degree of complexity of the lock as well as the type of key that you require. For example keys that are transponder and smart keys use encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car's key. They also require a specific configuration and programming to work properly. Key cutting and duplication process is also more difficult when you're trying to re-key locks or 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 especially the case when they move into a new house or want to give copies of their keys to friends and family. It's crucial to know the distinction between key duplication and cutting before you decide to try this at home. To ensure you receive a high-quality key, you must use the right machine and the correct techniques.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle and when done improperly, it could lead to flawed copies that won't fit correctly or even open the lock. A great way to make sure your keys are copied correctly is to take your current working key to a store that provides key duplication services. An associate can then match it with the blank key, and trace its contours using an exact key-cutting machine at the spot.
Another benefit of bringing your own keys to a duplication shop is that you save money with purchasing a replacement key from a dealership. In addition you can avail of discounts that are provided by shops that allow customers to bring their keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys on the market. Each one provides a distinct combination of security and convenience. For instance Cylinder keys are commonly used both in residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys however are more secure and are typically used in traditional buildings. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that fit into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are used to secure bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques keys of today can be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is typically performed at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the correct key programming equipment.
For instance some of the most popular modern car keys are designed like remotes and don't require to be turned in order to start the vehicle. These are called smart keys and they have an embedded microchip that is coded to the specific brand and model of car that it will use. These keys can be programmed and cut by 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, particularly in areas that have a high crime rate. This is due to the fact that stealing cars has become a common and relatively easy criminal enterprise. However, if you lose the keys to your car, it is important to duplicate them quickly to get back on the road and not waste 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 skilled technician to duplicate them correctly. Keys cut with lasers for instance, feature patterns that consist of long valleys instead of the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Transponder keys are a type of key which requires a professional to cut. These are a common feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith who has the proper programming equipment. This is because they have a microchip inside which needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to begin.
Tools Used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. They include a key duplication machine, which cuts and duplicates standard keys as also automotive keys. You'll also need an encoder for keys, which provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. In addition, you'll require locks and picks as well as a long reach tool to unlock automobiles. These tools are used to manipulate pins in a lock cylinder to allow you to open doors without damaging the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting equipment, and each is best for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require the user to manually move keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for locksmiths who are new or mobile who only require cutting one or two keys at the same time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a key machine that is manual.
A key machine that is automated will do everything for you however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the best automatic machine that is currently available.
A second essential tool is a vice, which is required to hold the key when it's being filed into shape. A large vise would work well for a car, while smaller vises are suitable for the van. A vise of good quality will last for a long period of time, and it will be easier to keep your key in place while filing.
You may also want to think about adding a padlock shank your toolbox. It can be used to remove padlocks by putting a thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and tube picks to move the pins in the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key, such as those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
A broken key extractor allows you to remove pieces of a damaged key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is a useful tool to have and it can be found in some basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal it's an art that ensures security, convenience and peace of mind for the owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. This process should be performed by a reputable car dealership or locksmith. Incorrectly cutting a key could damage the lock, which could result in additional costs for replacement or repair. A key that is not cut correctly could also cause future problems as it may not fit properly.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key it is essential to select a professional who utilizes a high-quality blade that ensures the correct positioning of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in poorer quality cuts that result in the key wearing out more quickly and could break inside the lock. It is also important to ensure that the key is made from the correct metal type. Some online sites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which could damage the key cutting machine or cause the key to malfunction.
If your vehicle has a transponder or smart key, it needs to be programmed following the cutting process. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the right key is able to start the vehicle. If you decide to make use of a home key duplicate service, they may not be capable of programming the new key correctly.
For these types of cars it is recommended that you have an additional key to avoid losing the original key or locking it inside the car. car key cutting is especially true in the event that you share your car with other family members. Having a spare car key will permit everyone to have a separate lanyard or key chain, that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and the theft of the key.
Review your warranty coverage basics, insurance or roadside assistance. Based on the coverage, this kind of service could save you money on key duplication and replacement. A spare key could be useful in the event that you have run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery fails to. This will let you get back to the road quickly without waiting on a tow-truck or being stranded outside in the cold.