Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
It can be a stressful experience to lose or break keys, especially when you are required to pay a large amount at your local car dealership. You can save money if you have the spare keys cut and programmed in an Ace store near you.
What is Key Cutting?
It's an art form that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. It requires advanced machinery to accurately shape keys so that they operate smoothly and don't damage the ignition. This service is crucial when you lose your keys or need to have a replacement key made. This process takes only a few moments and can help you avoid having to call a professional locksmith in the situation of an emergency lockout.
The procedure of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you need and the level of sophistication of the locks. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones for instance, employ encryption to prevent unauthorized reuse of the car key. In addition to this, these keys require a specific configuration and programming in order to work properly. Key duplication and cutting process can be more complicated when dealing with re-keying locks or when you're trying to cut the new key from an existing one that doesn't have the correct code.
Many people choose to duplicate their keys and keep a spare especially when they're moving into a new home or want to distribute copies to family members and friends members. However, it's important to understand the difference between key duplication and cutting before you decide to try this at home. To ensure you get the best quality key, you must use the correct machine and the correct techniques.
The process of copying your keys can be a hassle, and if done incorrectly, it could lead to faulty copies that will not fit properly or will not even be able to open the lock. Bring your current keys to a retailer that offers key duplication to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. A staff member will then match it to the key blank, and trace its contours using an exact key-cutting machine at site.
You can also avoid paying high prices for an replacement key at a dealer by sending your keys to a key-duplication shop. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring in their own keys in for duplication.
Keys in various types
There are many types of keys on the market. Each has its own unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance, are simple and widely utilized in commercial and residential settings and mortice keys are an essential part of traditional structures and come with 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 addition to a range of cutting techniques modern keys can also be programmed to work with specific vehicle systems. This is typically done at the dealership or by a licensed locksmith who has access to the proper equipment for programming keys.
Some of the most popular car keys today are shaped as remotes, and they don't require turning to start the car. These are called smart keys, and they come with a microchip in them that is coded to the specific make and model of car it will be used with. They can be cut and programmed at an experienced locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always recommended to keep a spare car key, especially if you live in an area that has high crime rates. This is because stealing cars is now a regular and relatively simple criminal enterprise. If you have lost your keys, you need to get them duplicated as soon as possible so you can return to the road and not spend time searching for your vehicle.
A standard key can be duplicated using the standard machine. However, key cut places near me advanced keys require specialized equipment and technicians with the proper training to do so. For instance, laser cut keys feature a pattern of long valleys which replace the usual ridges on older keys. They are difficult to duplicate due to their intricate shape.
Another kind of key that requires a professional to cut is the transponder key. They are a standard feature in newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. They are equipped with a microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle to allow it to start.
Tools used
If you want to perform key cutting professionally, you'll need a variety of tools. This includes key duplication machines, that cuts and duplicates standard keys as well as keys for cars. You'll also need a key decoder, which gives measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. You'll also need lockscrews and a tool with a long reach in order to unlock cars. These tools are used to alter pins within a lock cylinder to allow you to open doors without breaking the lock.
There are a variety of key cutting machines, and each is best for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires you to manually move the key around the cutter wheels and tracing and is suitable for beginners or mobile locksmiths who are only required to cut a few keys at each time. Manual key machines, such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good alternatives.
A key machine that is automated can do everything for you, but it's a little more expensive than a manual device. The Silca 040 automated machine is the best currently available.
A vice is an additional important tool. It is used to hold the key in place while it is being shaped. A large vise would work well for a car and smaller vises are suitable for vans. A good vise will last for a long period of time, and it will be much easier to keep your keys in place when filing.
Other tools to be considering for your toolbox include a padlock shim that is used to take apart padlocks by placing a thin piece of metal around the shackle. You'll also need an lock pick set as well as a tubular pick. Both are used to move the pins inside the key hole of locks. These tools are especially useful for picking locks that are difficult to open using the standard key like those found in cars or some commercial buildings.
Finally, a broken key extractor allows you to extract a broken piece of a key that has become jammed in the key hole. This is a great tool that you can find in the basic set of car opening kits or buy separately.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal it's an art that provides security, ease of use, and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This process requires specialized equipment and software. This procedure should be handled by an established locksmith or car dealership. A cut that is not done correctly could damage the lock and result in extra 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 using a high-quality knife and ensure proper placement of the chip. The blades that are cheaper can produce poorer quality cuts that 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 type of metal. Some websites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which could damage the cutting machine used to cut keys or cause your key to fail.
If your car has a transponder or smart key, it will need to be programmed following the key cutting process. These keys use encryption so that only the right key can be used to start the vehicle. If you utilize a service that duplicates keys at home, you might not be able program the key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, so you don't lose the original or secure it inside the vehicle. This is especially important if you share your car with family members. A spare key allows everyone in the family their own lanyard, which helps prevent accidental lockouts, or theft of the car key.
Examine your basic warranty coverage, insurance or roadside assistance. Based on the coverage, this type of service can save you money on key duplication and replacement. Having a spare key will also help you if your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will let you get back to the road quickly without waiting for a tow-truck or be stranded outside in the cold.