Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be a stressful experience to lose or break keys, especially if you have to pay a hefty price at your local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having your new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?
It’s an art that offers security, comfort and peace of mind for car owners. It requires sophisticated machinery to precisely cut keys so that they work without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This service is vital when you need an extra key or have lost keys. The process takes only a few minutes and can help you avoid needing to contact a locksmith professional in the event of an emergency lockout.
The procedure of cutting keys differs based on the kind of key you require as well as the sophistication of the locks. For example transponder keys and smart keys utilize encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car’s keys. They also require specific configuration and programming in order to work properly. Key duplication and cutting process can be more complicated when you’re trying to re-key locks or trying to cut new keys from an existing one that doesn’t have the right code.
Many people duplicate their keys to have a spare. This is particularly the case when they move into a new house or want to gift copies of the keys to friends and family. However, it’s essential to know the difference between cutting and key duplication before you attempt this at home. It’s essential to employ the right machine and the proper methods for each to ensure a quality key is produced.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle, and if done improperly, it could lead to faulty copies that will not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. One way to ensure your keys are correctly copied is to take your current working key to a shop that provides key duplication services. An associate will then match it to the key blank, and trace its contours using an exact key-cutting machine at the spot.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that you save money with purchasing a replacement key from a dealer. In addition you can avail of discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring in their own keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys available on the market, each with an individual blend of security and convenience. For instance Cylinder keys are commonly employed in both commercial and residential settings. Mortice keys, on the other hand are more secure and are often found in traditional structures. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that fit into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are used to secure bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a range of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is usually performed at the dealership or by a locksmith licensed who has access to the appropriate equipment for key programming.
Many of the most well-known car keys today are shaped as remotes, and they do not require turning to start the car. These keys are known as smart keys, and they come with a microchip inside them that is coded to the specific brand and model of car that it will be used with. These keys can be cut and programmed at an experienced locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It’s always recommended to keep a spare car key particularly if you live in an area with high rates of crime. The reason for this is that car theft has become a common and easy crime. If you have lost your keys, you need to get them duplicated as soon as you can, so that you return to the road and not spend time looking for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated using an ordinary machine. However, keys with a more complex design require special equipment and a technician who has the required training to do so. Laser cut keys for instance, have an intricate pattern of long valleys, not the ridges typical to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complicated shape.
Another kind of key that requires a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is because they contain a microchip inside that needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to begin.
Tools Used
You’ll require a variety of tools to cut keys professionally. They include a key duplication machine, which cuts and duplicates standard keys as well as keys for cars. You’ll also require an encoder for keys, which gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. In addition, you’ll require locks and picks as well as a long reach tool for unlocking vehicles. These tools are specialized and used to alter the pins inside the lock cylinder, allowing you to open the door without damaging the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting equipment, and each is best for a particular kind of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is ideal for beginners or mobile locksmiths that only need to cut one or two keys at a given time. Manual key machines, such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good options.
A key machine that is automated does everything for you, but it’s a little more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 automated machine is the most effective one currently available.
A vice is another essential tool. It is used to hold the key in place while it is being formed. A large vise will work well for a car while smaller vises are suitable for vans. A vise of good quality will last for a long period of time, and it will be easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools to consider for your toolbox include the padlock shim, which is used to break up padlocks by placing the thin metal piece around the shackle. You’ll need a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are especially useful for picking locks that are difficult to open using the standard key, such as those found in automobiles or commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys allows you to remove the broken piece of key that is stuck in the keyhole. This is a useful tool to have, and it can be found in the basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
It’s more than a simple metal shaping. It’s an art form that gives security, comfort and peace of mind for the owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. This procedure should be carried out by an established locksmith or car dealership. Incorrectly cutting a key could cause damage to the lock, which could result in cost-plus expenses for replacement or repair. In addition, a poorly cut key might not fit correctly and could cause problems in the future.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your car key spare it is essential to choose one who employs a top-quality blade and ensures the correct positioning of the chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear more quickly and may even break inside the lock cylinder. Also, it is important to make sure that the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could damage the key-cutting machine or cause keys to malfunction.
After the key cutter for cars cutting, in the event that your car is equipped with a transponder key or smart key, it must be programmed. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure that only the right key is able to start the car. If you decide to make use of a home key duplicate service, they might not be in a position to program the new key correctly.
For these kinds of vehicles, it is recommended that you have an additional key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is particularly true if your car is shared with other family members. The possession of a spare car key will permit each family member to have a key chain or lanyard, that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and the theft of keys.
It’s an excellent idea to review your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. This service may save you money if covered. A spare key will also assist you in the event that your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. This will allow you to get back on the road quickly, without waiting for car keys cut a tow truck, or be stranded in the cold.