Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be a stressful experience to lose or break a spare key, especially if you have to pay a hefty price at your local car dealership. The good news is that you can save money by having your 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 the use of sophisticated machinery for precise shaping keys to make sure they function smoothly and don't cause damage to the ignition. This is essential if you need an extra key or lost keys. It only takes a few minutes to complete the process and it could save you the hassle of having call a locksmith to help with a locked out or damaged key.
The procedure for cutting keys differs based on the degree of complexity of the lock as well as the type of key you require. For instance transponder keys and smart keys use encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car's key. They also require special configuration and programming to work properly. Key cutting and duplication process is also more difficult when it comes to re-keying locks or trying to cut the new key from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code in it.
Many people choose to duplicate their keys and keep a spare, particularly when they move to a new house or want to distribute copies to family and friends members. However, it's essential to understand the difference between cutting and key duplication before you decide to try this at home. To ensure that you get an excellent key, it's important to use the right machine and the correct techniques.
The process of copying your keys is a pain and when done wrong it could result in faulty copies that will not fit correctly or even open the lock. Bring your current working keys to a retailer that offers key duplication services to ensure that your keys are copied correctly. This allows an associate to match it up with the key blank and trace its contours on a precise key cutting machine on site.
Another benefit of bringing your own keys to a key duplication shop is that you can avoid the high prices associated with buying keys to replace from a dealership. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by shops who permit customers to bring their own keys in for duplication.
Keep Reading
There are many kinds of keys on the market. Each offers a unique combination of convenience and security. For instance, cylinder keys are widely employed in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys however, are more secure and are commonly used in traditional buildings. Similar to tubular keys, tubular keys feature an elongated shaft that fits into a tubular pin tumbler lock often used to secure sheds and bikes.
In addition to a range of cutting methods keys of today can be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is typically carried out at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access proper equipment for programming keys.
For example some of the most well-known modern car keys are shaped as remotes and are not required to be turned to start the vehicle. Smart keys have an embedded microchip that has been programmed for the specific car model and make they work with. These keys can be cut and programmed at a qualified locksmith who is also a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always best to have a spare key for your car particularly if you live in an area that has high crime rates. This is due to the fact that stealing cars is a frequent and fairly easy criminal activity. If you lose your keys, you should duplicate them as soon as possible so you can be back on the road and not waste time searching for your car.
While a standard key can be cut by a standard machine, more sophisticated keys require specialized tools and a trained technician to properly duplicate them. For example, keys cut with lasers are characterized by long valleys that replace typical ridges found on older keys. They are more difficult to duplicate due to their complicated shape.
Transponder keys are a type of key which requires a professional to cut. These keys are commonly found in newer vehicles and can only by duplicated by a locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is because they contain a microchip in them which needs to be programmed to the vehicle in order to start.
Tools Used
You'll need several tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive ones. You'll need a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages, as well as master keys. You'll also require a lockpick set and a tool with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are used to manipulate pins within the lock cylinder, allowing the door to be opened without breaking the lock.
There are a myriad of key cutting machines for cutting keys. Each is designed to work with a specific kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires you to manually move the key through the cutter wheels and tracing, which is fine for beginners or mobile locksmiths who only need to cut a few keys at one time. continue reading this.. , such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A machine that is automatic does all the work for you. However it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 machine that is automated is the best one currently available.
A vice is an additional essential tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being made. A large vise is perfect for a car, and smaller ones are sufficient for a van. A good vise will last for a long time and it will be much easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools to consider for your toolbox include a padlock shim, which is used to break up padlocks by placing an incredibly thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll need a lockpick set and tube picks to move the pins in the keyhole of the locking device. These tools are especially useful for picking locks which are difficult to open with the standard key.
A broken key extractor lets you remove the broken piece of key that has gotten stuck in the keyhole. This is an excellent tool to have, and you can find it in the basic kit for opening cars or buy it on its own.
Safety
It's much more than simple metal shaping. It's an art form that gives security, convenience and peace of mind for the owner. This process requires specialized software and machinery. This procedure should be handled by an established locksmith or a car dealership. Incorrectly cutting a key could cause damage to the lock which could result in additional costs for repair or replacement. A badly cut key can cause problems in the future because it might not fit correctly.
It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key using an excellent knife and ensure the correct positioning of the chip. Cheaper blades can result in less-than-quality cuts that can cause the key to wear out more quickly and could break inside the lock. Also, it is important to make sure that the key is made from the correct metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips, which could damage the cutting machine used to cut keys or cause your key to malfunction.
After cutting the key in the event that your car is equipped with an transponder key or smart key it will require programming. These types of keys utilize encryption to ensure only the correct key is allowed to start the car. If you utilize an online service that duplicates keys at home, you might not be able program the key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an additional car key for these kinds of vehicles, so you don't lose the key you have used to secure it inside the vehicle. This is particularly true if you share your car with your family members. A spare key allows each family member to have their own lanyard, which prevents accidental lockouts or theft of the car key.
Check your warranty coverage basics, insurance or roadside assistance. Based on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key will also help you if 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 a tow truck or getting trapped in the frigid winter.