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14 Cartoons About Key Cutting Car That'll Brighten Your Day
Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store

It can be stressful to lose or break keys, especially when you must pay a large amount at the local car dealership. The good part is that you can save money by having the new spare car keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.

What is Key Cutting?

It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It involves the use of sophisticated machinery for accurate shaping of keys to make sure they work without a hitch and won't cause damage to the ignition. This service is crucial when you are locked out of your keys or you need to have a spare key made. It takes just some minutes to complete the process and it could save you the stress of having to contact a locksmith with a locked out or damaged key.

The procedure for cutting keys is dependent on the complexity of the lock and the type of key that you require. For example, transponder keys and smart keys utilize encryption to prevent unauthorized re-use of the car's key. In addition they require specific programming and configuration to function properly. When changing locks, or if you attempt to create a new key from an older one that doesn't have the correct code, the duplicate process can be more complex.

Many people duplicate their keys to have a spare. This is particularly true when they are moving into a new residence or want to gift copies of their keys to friends and family. Before you attempt this at your home, it's important to understand the distinction between key cutting and duplication. It's essential to make use of the right equipment and the right techniques for each to ensure a quality key is produced.

It can be a pain to duplicate your keys. If done incorrectly, they may not fit or even open the lock. Bring your current keys to a store offering key duplication services to ensure that your keys are duplicated correctly. This will allow an associate to match it up with the blank key and trace its contours on the 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 an additional key from a dealer. In addition to this, you can take advantage of discounts offered by stores that allow customers to bring their own keys for duplication.

Keys Types

There are many kinds of keys available. Each type offers a unique combination of security and convenience. For instance Cylinder keys are commonly utilized in both residential and commercial settings. Mortice keys however, are more secure and are typically used in traditional buildings. Similarly, tubular keys have a cylindrical 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 be compatible with specific vehicle systems. This is typically done by a locksmith or a dealership with the right key programming equipment.

Some of the most sought-after car keys today are shaped as remotes, and don't require turning to start the car. Smart keys have an embedded microchip that has been programmed for the specific car model and make they use. These keys can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.

It's always recommended to keep a spare car key, especially if you live in a region with high crime rates. This is because car theft is now a regular and relatively easy criminal enterprise. If you lose your keys, you should get them duplicated as soon as you can, so that you get on the road again and not waste your time searching for your car.

While a standard key can be cut with an ordinary machine, more advanced keys require specialized tools and a trained technician to accurately duplicate them. Keys cut with lasers for instance, have a pattern that consists of long valleys, not the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complex shape.


Transponder keys are a type of key which requires a professional to cut. These are a common feature on newer vehicles and can only be duplicated by a licensed locksmith who has the proper programming equipment. This is because they contain an embedded microchip that must be programmed into the vehicle in order to begin.

Tools used

If you want to perform key cutting professionally, you'll need a variety of tools. They include the key duplication machine which can cut and duplicate regular keys as well as automotive keys. You'll also require a key decoder, which provides measurements for Kwikset, Weslock, Schlage master keys and Schlage. Also, you'll need a lockpick set and a tool with a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are specialized and used to manipulate the pins in a lock cylinder, allowing you to unlock the door without breaking the lock.

There are a myriad of key cutting machines. Each one is designed to work with a specific type of lock. Manual key cutters require you to manually move keys through the tracing wheels and cutter wheels. This is perfect for locksmiths who are new or mobile who only need to cut one or two keys at a given time. Manual key machines, such as the Silca Flash and JMA Nomad are both good options.

A key machine that can do all the work. However, it is more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.

A second essential tool is a vice which is required to hold the key when it's being shaped. A large vise is perfect for a car, while a smaller one is sufficient for a van. A good quality, beefy vise will last for a long time and will aid in keeping the key in place while filing.

You could also think about adding a padlock shank into your toolbox. This is used to remove padlocks by putting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also require locks with picks and a tubular pick. Both are used to manipulate the pins in the key hole of the lock. These tools are especially helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open with a standard key.

Finally, a broken key extractor can allow you to remove an unusable piece of a key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is an excellent tool that is available in the basic set of car opening kits or buy separately.

Safety

Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece it's an art that guarantees security, convenience and peace of mind for the vehicle owner. This procedure requires specialized equipment and software. This process should be performed by an accredited locksmith or car dealership. If you cut the key incorrectly, it could cause damage to the lock, which could result in cost-plus costs for replacement or repair. In addition, a poorly cut key might not fit correctly and cause future problems.

It is important that you select a professional who will cut your spare key using a high-quality knife and ensure proper placement of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in less-than-quality cuts that can cause the key to wear out more quickly and could break inside the lock. It is also crucial to ensure that the key is made of the right type of metal. Some online sites sell sidewinder chips that are of low quality, which can damage the machine that cuts keys or cause keys to malfunction.

If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will have to be programmed after the cutting process. These keys are encrypted to ensure that only the correct key can start the vehicle. If you use an online service that duplicates keys at home, they might not be able to program the key correctly.

It is recommended to have an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, so you do not lose the original key or secure it inside the vehicle. This is especially true in the event that you share your car with other family members. The possession of a spare car key allows each family member to have a lanyard or key chain, that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and the theft of keys.

It's an excellent idea to verify your basic warranty or insurance coverage, as well as roadside assistance coverage. Based on the coverage, this kind of service can save you money on key duplicate and replacement. A spare key can also be helpful if your car battery fails or you are running out of gas. This will allow you to get back on the road quickly, without having to wait on a tow-truck or being stuck outside in the frigid winter.

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