Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
A broken or lost spare car key can be a stressful experience particularly if the replacement will require an expense to the local car dealership. The good news is that you could save money by having the new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It involves using advanced machinery to precisely cut keys to ensure they function smoothly and don't cause damage to the ignition. This service is vital when you need a spare or lost keys. It takes just a few minutes to complete the process, and it could save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a broken or locked key.
The process of cutting keys is dependent on the level of the lock's complexity and the type of key that you require. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones for instance, employ encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. These keys also require special configuration and programming to function properly. Key cutting and duplication process is also more difficult when you're trying to re-key locks or trying to cut new keys from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code in it.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep an extra. This is especially the case when they move to a new home or wish to give copies of the keys to friends and family. Before you try this at your home, you need to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. It's crucial that you use the correct machine and the proper techniques for each to ensure a top quality key is produced.
It can be a pain to duplicate your keys. If you do it incorrectly, they might not fit properly or even be able to open the lock. One way to ensure your keys are copied correctly is to bring your existing working key to a store which offers key duplication. This allows an associate to match it with the key blank and trace its contours on an exact key cutting machine on site.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a duplication shop is that you save money with purchasing keys to replace from a dealership. You can also take advantage of the discounts offered by shops who allow customers to bring in their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys on the market, each with a unique balance of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance, are simple and widely employed in commercial and residential settings and mortice keys are the norm in traditional structures and provide more security features. Similar to tubular keys, tubular keys feature an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
Modern keys can be programmed to work with specific vehicles, as well as the various cutting techniques. This is usually done by a locksmith, or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
For instance some of the most popular modern car keys are designed like remotes, and are not required to be turned to start the vehicle. These keys are known as smart keys, and they come with a microchip in them that is programmed to the specific brand and model of car they will be used with. These keys can be programmed and cut at the hands of a locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It is advisable to always carry an extra key, particularly in areas with an extremely high rate of crime. This is because stealing cars is now a regular and relatively simple criminal enterprise. However, if you've lost your car keys it's important to duplicate them as quickly as possible so that you can get back on the road and not waste time searching for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated with an ordinary machine. However, keys with a more complex design require special equipment and a technician with the necessary knowledge to perform the task. For example, keys cut with lasers are characterized by long valleys that replace typical ridges found on older keys and are difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Another type of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are found in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a locksmith who has the right programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to enable it to start.
Tools used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. These include a key duplication machine, which can cut and duplicate regular keys as also automotive keys. You'll also require a key decoder that gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys as well as Schlage. Additionally, you'll need locks and picks as well as long reach tools for unlocking vehicles. These tools are used to alter pins in the lock cylinder, allowing you to open a door without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting equipment, and each one is suitable for a specific type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is great for those who are just starting out or who 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 automatic will do everything for you but it's a little more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 automatic machine is the best currently available.
A second essential tool is a vice, which is needed to hold the key in place when it's being cut into shape. A large vise is perfect for a car, whereas smaller ones are adequate for a van. A quality vise will last for a long time, and it will be much easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
You may also want to think about adding a padlock shank into your toolbox. This is used to take padlocks apart using a 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 particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open with a regular key.
A broken key extractor will allow you to remove a broken piece of the key that has become jammed in the key hole. This is a great tool that is available in the basic set of car opening kits or buy separately.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to the owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. This process should be performed by an established locksmith or car dealership. If you cut the key incorrectly, it could cause damage to the lock, which could result in additional costs for replacement or repair. A key that is not cut correctly could cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
It is crucial to choose a professional who will cut your spare key with an excellent knife and ensure the correct positioning of the chip. Cheaper blades can lead to poor quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear faster and may even break inside the lock cylinder. It is also essential to ensure that the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips that could damage the key cutting machine or cause the key to malfunction.
If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed after the cutting process. These keys employ encryption to ensure that only the correct key is allowed to start the vehicle. If you opt to use a home key duplication service, they might not be in a position to program the new key correctly.
It is recommended to have an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, so you don't lose the original or lock it in the vehicle. This is particularly true when your car is shared with other family members. A spare key allows everyone in the family their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts or theft of your car key.
Check your warranty coverage basics and roadside assistance. This can save you money if it is covered. A spare key can be helpful if you are running out of fuel or your car's battery dies. This will let you return to the road in a hurry without waiting for an tow truck or being stuck in the freezing cold.