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 exorbitant amount to your 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 close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
Key cutting is an art that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology to precisely cut keys to make sure they function smoothly and don't damage the ignition. This service is crucial when you lose your keys or need to have a new key made. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process, and it could save you the stress of having to call a locksmith to help with a broken or locked key.
The process of key cutting varies depending on the type of key you require and the level of sophistication of the locks. Keys that are transponder or intelligent for instance, employ encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. In places to get keys cut near me , these keys require a specific programming and configuration for proper operation. The key duplication and cutting process is also more difficult when dealing with re-keying locks or if you're trying to cut the new key from an existing one that doesn't have the proper code in it.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare particularly when they move into a new home or want to give copies to family members and friends members. Before you attempt this at your home, it is important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. To ensure that you get an excellent key, you must make use of the correct equipment and the correct methods.
The process of copying your keys is a pain and if done incorrectly it could result in faulty copies that will not fit properly or will not even open the lock. One way to ensure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your existing working key to a shop that offers key duplication services. This allows an associate to match it up with the blank key and trace its contours on the precise key cutting machine in the store.
You can also avoid paying high prices for keys that are replacement at a dealer by sending your keys to a key-duplication shop. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by shops which allow customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Types of Keys
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each one has its own unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance are easy to use and widely employed in commercial and residential settings and mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and come with more security features. Tubular keys also have a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into a tubular pin tumbler lock, typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is typically done by a locksmith, or an authorized dealer that has the proper key programming equipment.
Many of the most well-known car keys today are shaped as remotes and don't require turning to start the car. They are referred to as smart keys and they have an embedded microchip that is coded to the specific brand and model of car it will be used with. These keys can only be programmed and cut by a locksmith who is a member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
It's always recommended to keep a spare car key particularly if you live in an area with high crime rates. This is due to the fact that stealing cars has become a common and relatively easy criminal enterprise. If you have lost your keys, you need to get them duplicated as soon as possible so you can return to the road and not waste time looking for your vehicle.
A basic key can be duplicated with an ordinary machine. However, keys with a more complex design require specialized equipment and technicians with the proper knowledge to perform the task. For instance, laser cut keys are characterized by long valleys that replace typical ridges found on older keys and are more difficult to duplicate due to their complicated shape.
Another kind of key that requires an expert to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is because they contain a microchip inside which needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to begin.
Tools Used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive ones. You'll also need a key decoder that offers 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 cars. These tools are used to manipulate pins within the lock cylinder, allowing you to open doors without breaking the lock.
There are many different key cutting machines. Each is made to work with a specific kind of lock. A manual key cutter will require you to manually move the key across the tracing and cutter wheels and is suitable for locksmiths who are new or who need to cut a couple of keys at a time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a key machine that is manual.
A key machine that can do everything for you. However it's more expensive than a manual model. The Silca 040 is the top automatic machine that is currently available.
A vice is an additional important tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being shaped. A large vise is ideal for a car, and smaller ones are adequate for a van. A good quality, beefy vise will last for a long time and will make it easier to keep the key in place when filing.
Other tools you could think about adding to your toolbox are the padlock shim, which is used to take apart padlocks by inserting an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll also require a lock pick set and the tubular pick, which can be used to alter the pins in the key hole of a lock. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key such as those that are found in cars or some commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to remove pieces of a damaged key that has become stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool that can be found in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase 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 car owner. This process requires special software and machinery. This procedure should be handled by a reputable car dealership or locksmith. A key cut incorrectly could cause damage to the lock and result in extra costs for repair or replacement. A badly cut key can cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your spare car key it is crucial to select one that utilizes a high-quality blade that ensures the correct positioning of the chip. The blades that are cheaper can produce lower quality cuts, which can result in the key wearing out more quickly and may even break inside the lock. Also, it is important to make sure that the key is made from the correct metal type. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which can damage the machine used to cut keys or cause your keys to malfunction.
After cutting the key, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will need to programmed. These types of keys use encryption to ensure that only the correct key is used to start the vehicle. If you opt to use a home key duplication service, they might not be capable of programming the new key correctly.
For these kinds of vehicles it is recommended you have an additional key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially important if your car is shared with other family members. A spare key enables everyone in the family their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Check your warranty coverage basics and roadside assistance. Based on the coverage, this type of service can save you money on key duplication and replacement. A spare key can be helpful if you have run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery dies. This will let you get back on the road quickly, without waiting for an tow truck or being trapped in the frigid winter.