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 will require an expense to your local dealership for cars. You can save money if you have the spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It involves the use of advanced machinery to accurately shape keys to ensure that they function smoothly and don't damage the ignition. This service is vital when you need an extra key or have lost your keys. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process, and it will take away the stress of having to call a locksmith 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. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones for instance, employ encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car key. Additionally they require specific configuration and programming for proper operation. When you are re-keying locks or you attempt to create an entirely new key from an older one that doesn't have the proper code, the duplicate process could be more complicated.
Many people opt to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they're moving to a new house or want to give copies to family members and friends members. It's crucial to understand the difference between cutting and key duplication before you decide to try this at home. To ensure keys cut for cars receive an excellent key, you must make use of the correct equipment and the correct methods.
It can be a hassle to get your keys duplicated. If you do it incorrectly, they might not fit properly or even open the lock. One way to ensure your keys are correctly copied is to bring your existing working key to a store which offers key duplication. An associate will then match it to the key blank and trace its contours using a precise key-cutting device on the site.
You can save money for an replacement key at a dealership by sending your keys to a key duplication shop. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by shops which allow customers to bring in their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each one provides a distinct combination of security and convenience. For example, cylinder keys are widely utilized in both commercial and residential settings. Mortice keys however are more secure and are commonly found in traditional structures. Similarly, tubular keys have an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock often used to secure sheds and bikes.
In addition to a range of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to be compatible with specific vehicle systems. This is typically done at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access proper equipment for programming keys.
Many of the most well-known keys for cars today are designed as remotes, and do not require turning to start the car. Smart keys contain a microchip that is coded for the specific car model and make they can work with. They can only be programmed and cut by a locksmith who is a member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
It's always best to have a spare car key particularly if you live in an area that has high rates of crime. The reason is because car theft has become a relatively frequent and easy crime. If you do lose the keys to your car, it is important to duplicate them as quickly as possible to return to the road and not waste time looking for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated with a standard machine. However, keys with a more complex design require special equipment and a technician with the proper training to do so. Keys cut with lasers for instance, have patterns that consist of long valleys rather than the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complex shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key that requires a professional to cut. They are a standard feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. They are equipped with a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to allow it to start.
Tools Used
If you're looking to do key cutting professionally, you'll require various tools. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys, as well as automotive keys. You'll also need a key decoder, which gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. You'll also require lockscrews and a tool with a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are specially designed and used to move the pins within the lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines for cutting keys. Each one is designed specifically for a particular type of lock. A manual key cutter requires you to manually move the key through the tracing and cutter wheels and is suitable for locksmiths who are new or who need to cut a few keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a key machine that is manual.
A key machine that is automatic will do everything for you however, it's a bit more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 automatic machine is the best currently available.
Another important tool is a vice, which is needed to hold the key when it's being filed into shape. A large vise will work well for a car while a smaller vise will do for the van. A good quality, beefy vise will last a long time, and help keep the key in place while filing.
Other tools you might think about adding to your toolbox are a padlock shim that is used to disassemble padlocks by inserting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins that are inside the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are especially useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using the standard key like those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys lets you remove a piece of a broken key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool to have, and it can be found in some basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for the owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. This process should be performed by an established car dealership or locksmith. A cut that is not done correctly could damage the lock and lead to extra costs for repair or replacement. A key that is not cut correctly could also cause future problems as it may not fit properly.
It is important that you choose a professional who will cut your spare key with an excellent knife and ensure the correct positioning of chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear more quickly and could break within the lock cylinder. It is also essential to ensure that the key is made from the correct kind of metal. Some online sites sell low-quality sidewinder chips that could harm the key cutting machine or cause your key to malfunction.
After cutting the key in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key it must be programmed. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the correct key is allowed to start the car. If you use an online service that duplicates keys at home, you might not be able to program the key correctly.
For these kinds of vehicles it is recommended you have an extra key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially true if your car is shared with other family members. The possession of a spare car key will allow each family member to have a separate lanyard or key chain, that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and the theft of the key.
Review your basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance. This service may save you money if it is covered. Having a spare key will also help you if your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. This will let you get back on the road quickly and without waiting for a tow-truck or be trapped outside in the cold.