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 high fee at the local car dealership. You can save money if have the spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art that offers security, comfort and peace of mind for car owners. It requires advanced machinery to accurately shape keys so that they work without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This is essential if you need an extra key or lost your keys. It takes only a few minutes to complete the process, and it could save you the stress of having to contact a locksmith with a broken or locked key.
The process of key cutting varies depending on the type of key you require as well as the sophistication of the locks. Keys that are transponder or intelligent, for example, use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. In addition, these keys require a specific configuration and programming for proper operation. When changing locks, or if you attempt to create an entirely new key from an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the duplicate process can be more difficult.
Many people duplicate their keys in order to have a spare. This is especially the case when they move into a new residence or wish to give copies of the keys to friends and family. However, it's essential to know the distinction between key duplication and cutting before you attempt this at home. It is essential to make use of the right equipment and the correct techniques for each to ensure a quality key is produced.
It can be a pain to duplicate your keys. If you do it incorrectly, they may not fit or even open the lock. A good way to ensure that your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a retailer which offers key duplication. An associate will then match it to the blank key, and trace its contours using a precise key-cutting device on the spot.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that you save money with purchasing keys to replace from a dealership. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by shops that permit customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each provides a distinct combination of convenience and security. Cylinder keys, for instance are a simple lock that is widely employed in commercial and residential settings Mortice keys are the norm in traditional buildings and offer more security features. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock commonly used for securing sheds and bikes.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to be compatible with specific vehicle systems. This is typically done by a locksmith, or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
For instance many of the most sought-after modern car keys are shaped as remotes and do not need 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 it will be used with. They can be programmed and cut by a qualified locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is always advisable to keep a spare car key, especially if you live in a region with high rates of crime. This is because car theft is a frequent and relatively easy criminal enterprise. However, if you've lost the keys to your car, it is important to duplicate them quickly so that you can get back on the road and not waste time trying to find your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated using an ordinary machine. However, advanced keys require specialized equipment and a technician with the necessary knowledge to perform the task. Keys made with lasers for instance, feature 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 kind of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a typical feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the right programming equipment. They are equipped with a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to enable it to start.
Tools used
If you're looking to do key cutting professionally, you'll require several tools. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys, and automotive keys. Also, you'll need a key decoder, which provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. You'll also require a lockpick set and tools that has a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are used to alter pins in a lock cylinder to allow you to open doors without breaking the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines for cutting keys. Each one is designed specifically for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is ideal for those who are just starting out or that only need to cut one or two keys at the same time. Manual key machines such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A key machine that is automated can do everything for you, however, it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 automated machine is the most effective one currently available.
A second essential tool is a vice, which is needed to hold the key in place when it's being shaped. 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 help keep the key in place while filing.
Other tools you might consider for your toolbox include a padlock shim, which is used to disassemble padlocks by inserting an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins in the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key.
A broken key extractor can allow you to take out the broken piece of the key that has become jammed in the key hole. This is a great tool to have, and it can be found in the basic car opening kits or purchase it separately.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that gives security and ease of mind to the vehicle owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. It should be carried out by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could cause damage to the lock and cause cost-plus repairs or replacement. 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 car key spare it is essential to select one that 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 faster and possibly break inside the lock cylinder. It is also important to make sure the key is made of the right type of metal. Some websites sell low-quality sidewinder chips that could cause damage to the key cutting machine or cause your key to malfunction.
After cutting the key should your vehicle have an transponder key or smart key, it will require programming. These types of keys use encryption to ensure that only the correct key is allowed to start the vehicle. If you utilize a service that duplicates keys at home, they may be unable to program the key correctly.
It is recommended to have an extra car key for these types of vehicles, to ensure that you do not lose the original key or secure it inside the vehicle. This is especially true when your car is shared with other family members. A spare key allows everyone in the family their personal lanyard. This prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
It's recommended to verify your basic warranty or insurance policy, or roadside assistance coverage. This could save you money if covered. A spare key can also be useful if you run out of fuel or your vehicle's battery fails to. This will let you return to the road quickly, without having to wait for a tow truck or be stuck outside in the frigid winter.
