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 large amount at 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?
Key cutting is an art that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It involves using advanced machinery for accurate shaping of keys to make sure they work smoothly and do not damage the ignition. This service is essential when you lose your keys or need to have a new key made. The process takes only minutes and could save you from needing to contact a locksmith professional in the case of an emergency lockout.
The procedure of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you require and the sophistication of the locks. Transponder keys and intelligent keys, for example, use encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car key. They also require specific configuration and programming to function correctly. When re-keying locks, or when you are trying to make a new key from an old one that does not have the correct code, the duplicate process can be more complicated.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, especially when they're moving into a new home or want to give copies to family and friends members. Before you decide to try this at home, it is important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. To ensure that you get an excellent key, it is essential to use the correct machine and the correct techniques.
Copying your keys can be a hassle and if done incorrectly, it could lead to faulty copies that will not fit correctly or even allow you to open the lock. Bring your current keys to a retailer that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. An associate can then match it with the blank of your key and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting machine on the site.
Another advantage of bringing your keys to a duplication shop is that it allows you to save money with purchasing keys to replace from a dealer. Additionally, you can take advantage of discounts that are offered by stores that permit customers to bring their own keys for duplication.
Types of Keys
There are many types of keys available. Each type has its own unique combination of convenience and security. Cylinder keys, for instance are easy to use and widely utilized in both residential and commercial settings and mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys also have an elongated shaft that fits into the tubular pin tumbler lock commonly used for securing sheds and bikes.
In addition to a variety of cutting methods modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is usually done at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the appropriate equipment for key programming.
For example some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped like remotes and do not need to be turned to start the car. Smart keys are equipped with an embedded microchip which is programmed to match the particular model and make of car they will use. They can be cut and programmed at an experienced locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always best to have a spare car key, especially if you live in an area with high rates of crime. This is due to the fact that stealing cars has become a common and fairly easy criminal activity. If you have lost your keys, you should get them replaced as quickly as you can, so that you get on the road again and not waste your time searching for your vehicle.
While a basic key can be cut using a standard machine, more complex keys require special tools and a skilled technician to duplicate them correctly. Laser cut keys for instance, feature a pattern that consists of long valleys rather than the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complicated shape.
Another type of key that requires an expert to cut is the transponder key. They are found in newer vehicles and can only by duplicated by a locksmith with the appropriate equipment for programming. This is because they contain a microchip inside that needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to begin.
Tools used
If you're planning to perform key cutting professionally, you'll need various tools. Our Webpage include a key duplication machine, that cuts and duplicates standard keys, as well as keys for cars. You'll need an instrument to decode keys that can provide measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets and Schlages as well as master keys. In addition, you'll require locks and picks as well as a long reach tool to unlock vehicles. These tools are specially designed and used to move the pins within the lock cylinder to allow you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.
There are several different types of key cutting machines and each one is suitable for a particular type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is ideal for locksmiths who are new or mobile who only need to cut one or two keys at the same time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a manual key cutter.
An automatic key machine can do everything for you, but it's a little more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
A vice is an additional important tool. It is used to hold the key while it is being made. A large vise is ideal for a car, while a smaller one is sufficient for vans. A good vise will last for a long period of time, and it's easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools to consider for your toolbox include the padlock shim that can be used to take apart padlocks by inserting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll require a lockpick set as well as an instrument 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 standard key.
Finally, a broken key extractor can allow you to extract an unusable piece of the key that is stuck in the key hole. This is a useful tool to have, and you can find it in some basic kit for opening cars or buy it separately.
Safety
It's more than just a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that offers security and ease of mind for the owner. This process requires specialized tools and software. It should be carried out by an experienced locksmith or car dealership. A wrongly cut key could cause damage to the lock and lead to additional costs for repair or replacement. Additionally, a cut that isn't done correctly might not fit correctly and may cause further problems.
It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key with an excellent knife and ensure the proper 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 essential to make sure the key is made of the correct kind of metal. Some websites sell sidewinder chips of poor quality, which could harm the machine that cuts keys or cause keys to malfunction.
If your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will have to be programmed following the key cutting process. The keys are encrypted so that only the right key is able to start the vehicle. If you utilize a service that duplicates keys at home, you may be unable to program the key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an extra car key for these types of vehicles, so you don't lose the key you have used to put it in the car. This is particularly true when your car is shared with other family members. Having a spare car key allows everyone to have their own key chain or lanyard, which will prevent accidental lockouts and theft of the key.
Examine your basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance. Based on the coverage, this type of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key could be useful if you have run out of fuel or your car's battery dies. This will let you get back on the road quickly and without waiting on a tow-truck or being stranded outside in the cold.
