Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be stressful to lose or break a spare key, especially when you must pay a high fee at the 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 near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art form that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It requires sophisticated equipment to precisely cut keys to ensure that they function smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This service is crucial when you lose your keys or need to have a spare key made. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process, and it can save you the stress of having to call a locksmith to help with a locked out or damaged key.
The procedure of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you need and the level of sophistication of the locks. Transponder keys and intelligent keys for instance, employ encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. These keys also require specific configuration and programming in order to function correctly. 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 key duplication process can be more complicated.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare particularly when they move to a new house or want to give copies to family members and friends members. However, it's essential to understand the difference between key duplication and cutting before you decide to try this at home. It is essential to make use of the right equipment and the right methods for each to ensure a top quality key is produced.
Copying your keys can be a hassle, and if it is done wrong it could result in flawed copies that won't fit correctly or even open the lock. Bring your current keys to a shop that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. This allows an associate to match it with the key blank and trace its contours on an exact key cutting machine in the store.
Another advantage of bringing your own keys to a key duplication shop is that it allows you to avoid the high costs associated with buying a replacement key from a dealer. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring in their own keys in for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many types of keys on the market. Each offers a unique combination of convenience and security. For instance Cylinder keys are commonly utilized in both commercial and residential settings. Mortice keys, on the other hand are more secure and are commonly found in traditional buildings. Tubular keys also have an elongated shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock, often used to secure bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a range of cutting methods, modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is typically performed at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to correct key programming equipment.
For instance, some of the most well-known modern car keys are shaped as remotes and are not required to be turned to start the car. These are called smart keys, and they come with a microchip in them that is coded to the specific brand and model of car it will work with. These keys can be programmed and cut at a qualified locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's best to always have an extra key, especially if your area has a high crime rate. The reason is that car theft has become a frequent and easy crime. However, if you've lost the keys to your car, it is important to duplicate them quickly to return to the road and not spend time searching for your vehicle.
While a standard key can be cut using a standard machine, more sophisticated keys require specialized tools and a skilled technician to properly duplicate them. For example, keys cut with lasers are characterized by long valleys that replace usual ridges on older keys. They are difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Transponder keys are a different kind of key which requires a professional for cutting. These are a common feature of newer cars and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the right programming equipment. They contain a microchip which must be programmed into the vehicle to make it start.
Tools Used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. This includes key duplication machines, which cuts and duplicates standard keys as well as keys for cars. You'll also need a key decoder that gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage, and master keys. You'll also need lockscrews and a tool with a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are used to alter pins in the lock cylinder, allowing the door to be opened without breaking the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting machines and each is best for a particular type of lock. A manual key cutter requires the user to manually move the key across the cutter and tracing wheels and is suitable for those who are just beginning or who need to cut a couple of keys at one time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are great options for a manual key cutter .
A key machine that is automated will do everything for you however, it's more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 automated machine is the best one currently available.
A vice is another important tool. It is used to hold the key in place while it is being made. A large vise is perfect for a car, while a smaller one is sufficient for a van. A sturdy, high-quality vise will last for a long time and will help keep the key in place while filing.
Other tools you might consider for your toolbox include the padlock shim that is used to take apart padlocks by inserting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set as well as tube picks to move the pins inside the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open using a regular key, such as those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
Finally, a broken key extractor will allow you to extract the broken piece of a key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is an excellent tool to have and it can be found in some basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal it's an art that provides security, ease of use and peace of mind for the owner. This process involves specialized machinery and software. This procedure should be handled by an established locksmith or a car dealership. If you cut the key incorrectly, it could cause damage to the lock, which could result in extra costs for repair or replacement. A poorly cut key could cause problems in the future because it might not fit correctly.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your car key spare it is essential to select a professional who uses a high-quality blade and ensures the correct positioning of the chip. Cheaper blades often result in poor quality cuts, causing the key to wear more quickly and may even break inside the lock cylinder. It is also important to ensure that the key is made of the correct metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chip of low quality, which could damage the key-cutting machine or cause your keys to malfunction.
After cutting the key, if your car has a transponder key or smart key it will need to programmed. These types of keys use encryption to ensure only the correct key is used to start the car. If you opt to utilize a home key duplication service, they might not be in a position to program the new key correctly.
For these types of vehicles it is recommended that you have a spare key to ensure that you don't lose the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially true when you share your car with your family members. A spare key enables every family member to have their own lanyard, which helps prevent accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Check your warranty coverage basics, insurance or roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key can also assist you in the event that your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will allow you to get back on the road in a hurry without waiting for an tow truck or being trapped in the frigid winter.