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 if you have to pay a large amount at the local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having your new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It is an art form that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology to precisely cut keys to ensure they work without a hitch and won't harm the ignition. This is essential in the event that you require an extra key or lost your keys. It takes only some minutes to complete the process, and it can save you the hassle of having to call a locksmith to help with a broken or locked key.
The procedure of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you require and the level of sophistication of the locks. get keys cut that are transponder or intelligent, for example, use encryption to prevent 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 can be more complicated when dealing with re-keying locks or when you're trying to cut new keys from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep an extra. This is particularly relevant when they move into a new house or wish to give copies of the keys to family and friends. Before you attempt this at home, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. It is essential to use the correct machine and the correct techniques for each to ensure a top quality key is created.
It can be a pain to get your keys duplicated. If it is done incorrectly they may not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. A great way to make sure your keys are correctly copied is to bring your current working key to a store that provides key duplication services. An associate will then match it with the key blank, and trace its contours with an exact key-cutting machine at the spot.
Another benefit of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that you can avoid the high costs associated with buying a replacement key from a dealership. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by shops which allow customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys available on the market, each with a unique balance of convenience and protection. For instance Cylinder keys are commonly utilized in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys, on the other hand, are more secure and are often found in traditional structures. Tubular keys also have an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock, often used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed for specific vehicle systems in addition to the various cutting methods. This is typically done by a locksmith, or an authorized dealer that has the proper key programming equipment.
For example some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped as remotes and do not need to be turned in order to start the car. Smart keys contain an embedded microchip which is programmed to match the particular model and type of car they will work with. These keys can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is always advisable to have a spare car key particularly if you live in an area with high rates of crime. This is because car theft is a frequent and fairly easy criminal activity. If you lose your keys, you should get them duplicated as soon as you can so that you return to the road and not waste time looking for your vehicle.
A basic key can be duplicated using an ordinary machine. However, advanced keys require specialized equipment and technicians with the necessary skills to accomplish this. Keys made with lasers for instance, have an intricate pattern of long valleys rather than the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Another type of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith who has the proper programming equipment. They contain a microchip which must be programmed into the vehicle in order to enable it to start.
Tools used
You'll require a variety of tools to cut keys professionally. These include the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates standard keys, as also automotive keys. You'll require a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages, as well as master keys. You'll also need lockscrews and a tool that has a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are specially designed and used to manipulate the pins in the lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are many different kinds of key cutting machines, and each one is best for a specific type of lock. A manual key cutter requires the user to manually move the key across the cutter and tracing wheels, which is fine for beginners or mobile locksmiths who only need to cut a couple of keys at a time. Manual key machines such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A key machine that is automatic will do everything for you however, it's more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 machine that is automated is the best currently available.
A vice is an additional important tool. It is used to hold the key in place while it is being formed. A large vise would work well for a car while a smaller vise will do for vans. A good quality, beefy vise will last for a long time, and aid in keeping the key in place while filing.
Other tools to consider for your toolbox include padlock shims that can be used to break up padlocks by placing an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set as well as a tube pick to manipulate the pins inside the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are especially useful for picking locks which are difficult to open with the standard key.
A key extractor for broken keys lets you remove pieces of a damaged key that has gotten stuck in the keyhole. This is a useful tool to have, and it can be found in basic car opening kits or purchase it separately.
Safety
It's more than a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that gives security, convenience and peace of mind to the vehicle owner. This process requires special equipment and software. It should be completed by a reliable locksmith or car dealership. A wrongly cut key could cause damage to the lock and cause extra costs for repair or replacement. A badly cut key can cause problems in the future because it might not fit correctly.
It is important that you select a professional to cut your spare key using an excellent knife and ensure the proper positioning of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear out faster and possibly break inside the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chip of low quality, which could damage the machine that cuts keys or cause keys to malfunction.
After the key cutting, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key it must be programmed. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the right key can start the vehicle. If you choose to use a home key duplication service, they may not be capable of programming the new key correctly.
It is recommended to have an extra car key for these types of vehicles, to ensure that you don't lose the key you have used to secure it inside the vehicle. This is especially true in the event that you share your car with family members. Having a spare car key will allow each family member to have their own key chain or lanyard which will prevent accidental lockouts and theft of the key.
It's recommended to check your basic warranty, insurance, or roadside assistance coverage. Based on the coverage, this type of service could save you money on key duplicate and replacement. Having a spare key will also assist you in the event that your car battery dies or you are running out of gas. This will allow you to return to the road in a hurry without having to wait for a tow truck or getting stranded in the cold.