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, particularly when you are required to pay a hefty price 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 a skill that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners. It involves the use of advanced machinery to accurately shape keys so that they work without a hitch and do not harm the ignition. This is a must-have service if you are locked out of your keys or you need to have a new key made. It only takes some minutes to complete the process and it can save you the hassle of having to contact a locksmith with a lockout or broken key.
The key-cutting process is dependent on the complexity of the lock and the type of key you require. For instance keys that are transponder and smart keys employ encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car's keys. They also require a specific configuration and programming to function properly. When you are re-keying locks or you are trying to make a new key from an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the duplication process can be more complicated.
Many people duplicate their keys in order to have a spare. This is especially the case when they move into a new house or want to give copies of the keys to family and friends. Before you attempt this at your home, it is important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. To ensure you receive a high-quality key, it's important to use the correct machine and the correct techniques.
Getting your keys copied can be a hassle, and if it is done wrong it could result in flawed copies that won't fit properly or will not even open the lock. A great way to make sure that your keys are copied correctly is to bring your current working key to a shop which offers key duplication. This will allow the associate to match it with the blank key and trace its contours on the precise key cutting machine onsite.
You can also avoid paying high prices for a replacement key at a dealer by bringing your keys to a key duplication shop. In addition you can avail of discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring their keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each type offers a unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys, for instance are easy to use and widely employed in both residential and commercial settings, while mortice keys are an essential part of traditional buildings and offer more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks which are typically used to secure bicycles and sheds.
In g28carkeys to a range of cutting methods keys of today can be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is typically done at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access proper equipment for programming keys.
For instance some of the most well-known modern car keys are shaped like remotes, and are not required to be turned in order to start the vehicle. These are called smart keys. They have an embedded microchip that is coded to the specific brand and model of car that they will work with. They can only be programmed and cut by a locksmith who is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
It is recommended to always have an extra key, particularly in areas that have high rates of crime. The reason is that car theft is now a common and easy crime. However, if you've lost your car keys it's important to duplicate them quickly to return to the road and not waste time looking for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated with the standard machine. However, advanced keys require specialized equipment and technicians who has the required training to do so. For instance, laser cut keys feature a pattern of long valleys which replace the usual ridges on older keys and are more difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Another kind of key that requires an expert to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a certified locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. They have a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to enable it to start.
Tools Used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. These include the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates standard keys as well as automotive keys. You'll require a key decoder that gives measurements for Weslocks, Kwiksets, Schlages, and master keys. In addition, you'll require a lock pick set and an extended reach tool to unlock vehicles. These tools are used to alter pins inside a lock cylinder to allow the door to be opened without breaking the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Each is designed to work with a specific type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move the keys between the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is great for those who are just starting out or that only need to cut one or two keys at the same time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are great options for a key machine that is manual.
A key machine that does all the work. However it's more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 automated machine is the most effective one currently available.
A vice is a different important tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being formed. A large vise will work well for a car and a smaller vise will do for the van. A good quality, beefy vise will last for a long time, and aid in keeping the key in place while filing.
You might also consider adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. It is used to remove padlocks by putting a thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also need an lock pick set as well as a tubular pick, which are used to move the pins in the key hole of locks. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using the standard key.
A broken key extractor allows you to remove a piece of a broken key that has gotten stuck in the keyhole. This is a fantastic tool that is available in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece it's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process requires special equipment and software. This procedure should be handled by an accredited locksmith or car dealership. A key cut incorrectly could damage the lock and lead to cost-plus repairs or replacement. A key that is not cut correctly could cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
When choosing a professional to cut your car key spare it is crucial to choose one who utilizes a high-quality blade that ensures the proper placement of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in less-than-quality cuts that can result in the key wearing out faster and possibly even break inside the lock. It is also important to ensure that the key is made of the right type of metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips, which may harm the cutting machine used to cut keys or cause the key to malfunction.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed after the key cutting process. The keys are encrypted so that only the correct key can be used to start the vehicle. If you choose to make use of a home key duplicate service, they may not be capable of programming the new key correctly.
For these types of cars it is recommended you have a spare key to ensure that you don't lose the original or locking it inside the car. This is particularly true in the event that you share your car with family members. A spare key allows each family member to have their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
It's also a good idea to review your basic warranty, insurance, or roadside assistance coverage. This can save you money if covered. A spare key can be useful if you run out of fuel or your car's battery dies. This will allow you to return to the road quickly and without waiting for a tow truck or be stuck outside in the frigid winter.