Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
The loss or destruction of a spare car key can be stressful particularly if the replacement will require an expense to your local car dealership. The good news is that you could save money by having your spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It involves using advanced machinery for precise shaping keys to ensure they function smoothly and don't damage the ignition. This is essential if you need an extra key or have lost keys. It takes just a few minutes to complete the process and it could save you the hassle of having contact a locksmith with a lockout or broken key.
The process of cutting keys is dependent on the complexity of the lock and the type of key that you require. Transponder keys and intelligent keys, for example, use encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. These keys also require specific configuration and programming in order to work properly. Key cutting and duplication process is also more difficult when dealing with re-keying locks or if you're trying to cut new keys from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code in it.
Many people decide to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, especially when they move into a new home or wish to gift copies to family and friends members. Before you try this at your home, it is important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. To ensure that you get a high-quality key, you must use the correct machine and the correct methods.
Copying your keys can be a hassle and if it is done incorrectly it could result in faulty copies that will not fit correctly or even be able to open the lock. A good way to ensure your keys are correctly copied is to bring your current working key to a shop that provides key duplication services. An associate will then match it to the blank key and trace its contours with a precise key-cutting machine on site.
Another benefit of bringing your keys to a key duplication shop is that it allows you to save money with buying a replacement key from a dealership. You are also able to take advantage of the discounts offered by shops that allow customers to bring their keys to be duplicated.
Keys Types
There are many different types of keys available on the market, each offering an individual blend of security and convenience. Cylinder keys, for example, are simple and widely employed in both residential and commercial settings and mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and come with more security features. Similar to tubular keys, tubular keys feature a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into the tubular pin tumbler lock often used to secure bicycles and sheds.
In addition to a range of cutting methods keys of today can be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is usually carried out at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the proper equipment for programming keys.
For example, some of the most well-known modern car keys are designed as remotes and do not need to be turned to start the car. They are referred to as smart keys, and they come with an embedded microchip that is programmed to the specific make and model of car they will work with. They can be cut and programmed at a qualified locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always recommended to have a spare car key, especially if you live in a region with high crime rates. This is because car theft is a frequent and fairly easy criminal activity. If you lose your keys, it's best to get them replaced as quickly as possible so you can return to the road and not spend time searching for your vehicle.
While a standard key can be cut using a standard machine, more complex keys require special tools and a trained technician to properly duplicate them. For example, keys cut with lasers are characterized by long valleys which replace the typical ridges found on older keys. They are more difficult to duplicate due to their complex shape.
Transponder keys are a type of key that requires a professional for cutting. They are a standard feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is due to the fact that they have an embedded microchip that needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order for it to start.
Tools used
You'll require several tools to cut keys professionally. They include the key duplication machine which cuts and duplicates standard keys as also automotive keys. You'll also need a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. Also, you'll need an lock pick set as well as an extended reach tool to unlock vehicles. These tools are used to alter pins in the lock cylinder that allow you to open doors without damaging the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines for cutting key s. Each is designed specifically for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires the user to manually move the key across the cutter and tracing wheels, which is fine for beginners or mobile locksmiths who only need to cut a couple of keys at each time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are good choices for a key machine that is manual.
A crucial machine that can do all the work for you. However it's more expensive than a manual model. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
Another important tool is a vice, which is required to hold the key when it's being cut into shape. A large vise is perfect for a car, while smaller ones are sufficient for a van. 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 you might consider for your toolbox include padlock shims, which is used to disassemble padlocks by putting a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and a tube pick to manipulate the pins that are inside the keyhole of a locking device. These tools are particularly useful when picking locks that are difficult to open with the standard key, such as those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
A key extractor for broken keys lets you remove the broken piece of key that has gotten stuck in the keyhole. This is a great tool to have, and it is available in some 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 for the owner. This process requires special equipment and software. It should be completed by an experienced locksmith or car dealership. Incorrectly cutting a key could cause damage to the lock, which could result in cost-plus costs for replacement or repair. A poorly cut key could cause problems in the future because it may not fit properly.
When you are deciding on a professional to cut your car key spare it is crucial to choose one who uses a high-quality blade and 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 more quickly and may even break inside the lock. It is also essential to make sure the key is made from the correct kind of metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips, which could harm the cutting machine used to cut keys or cause your key to malfunction.
If your car is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed following the cutting process. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure only the correct key is allowed to start the vehicle. If you are using an online service that duplicates keys at home, you might not be able program the key correctly.
For these kinds of vehicles it is recommended that you have a spare key in order to avoid losing the original or locking it inside the car. This is especially important if your car is shared with other family members. Having a spare car key allows each family member to have a key chain or lanyard that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and theft of the key.
Review your warranty coverage for basic warranties, insurance or roadside assistance. Depending on the coverage, this type of service can save you money on key duplication and replacement. A spare key can be useful if you have run out of fuel or your car's battery goes out of. This will allow you to return to the road quickly without waiting for a tow-truck or be stranded outside in the cold.