What Is Car Key Cutting?
Modern car keys aren't ones you can take to a self-service kiosk in the mall to be cut. They require specialized sidewinder equipment, and are designed to match the specific lock cylinders of your car.
Understanding the difference between car key duplication and cutting a car key could save you money, time and stress in the future.
Keys
Car key cutting is the process of creating the key for a car. Professionals are typically the ones who perform this, as it takes special equipment to trace a key's distinctive shape and ensure that it is a good fit for the locks. A professional will often offer a guarantee on the work they perform.
In the past keys for cars were simple but the advancement of technology has made them more complex. Smart keys are found in a lot of vehicles to protect against theft. They come with encryption and other security measures. These features are intended to make it difficult for thieves to duplicate or tamper the key. They also aid owners in keeping the track of who has used their vehicle.
Traditional car keys have a rectangular and flat shape. They are thinner than sidewinder keys and they feature the same cuts on both sides of the blade. These keys are able to fit into any lock as they have the exact same cut on both sides. They can be duplicated with traditional key machines that can be that are available in hardware stores.
Laser cut keys were first introduced in the early 1990s, mostly by luxury car manufacturers. The idea was to stop the theft of vehicles, and the technology has been successfully deployed in various models. Laser cut keys have a stronger shank than traditional keys and more grooves that are carved into them. The keys are more expensive to produce, but are also more secure.
To cut a laser-cut keys the locksmith must first decode a key that is already in the store. He or she then sets the key cutting machine to match the cuts made in the key that was decoded, and cuts the blade. This type of key is much more difficult to duplicate and takes more time to copy than a regular key. It is important that the locksmith is equipped with an excellent manual machine, such as the Framon 2 machine or the Silca Futura Auto and Futura Pro. These machines also can create keys, which means that they can make a key from one that has already been cut.
Tools
Cutting car keys is more than simply a simple shape of metal. It's a technique that guarantees security and efficiency. Properly cut keys guarantee that they fit in the lock and won't cause damage to it or the ignition. Whether you need a regular mechanical key or a smart or transponder key professional will make sure that it's cut correctly.
To make duplicate keys, a key is placed on the side of the machine and then aligned using a specific cutting tool. This is used as an outline. Then a blank key is positioned on the other side of the machine. There, it is aligned with a key guide to ensure both keys are in alignment during the duplicate process. Both keys are cut at the same time which results in duplicates that are identical to the original.
Find a key cutter that has multiple jaws that can hold the key. A two-way cutter is the best for duplicates of standard key blades, while a 4-way one is better for laser cut keys. If you plan to make use of the machine to duplicate keys for automotive use, like transponder keys or remote heads make sure there enough space between the jaws.
The right tool can help you get started in the field. A Defu 2A key duplicator, for example, is affordable and provides the ability to cut nearly every type of key, with the exception of high-security blanks. The model is portable and ideal for those who want to establish their own car key cutting business.
The investment in a top-quality key cutting machine is costly, but it's worth the cost because it allows you to originate and cut most keys by code including transponder and smart keys. It can also be used to clone and program RW4, MBOX and ZBULL chip keys. To clone or program high-security chip keys, you will need a device that can communicate and read the unique identification numbers (VIN) of the vehicle. g28carkeys can save you time and money.
Cutting
The key duplicator tool is a machine that cuts keys to match the shape of existing ones. The original key is put on one side of the machine and aligned with the cutting tool, which serves as an example for the new key. The blank key is then placed on the other side of the machine. A key guide is used to keep the two keys aligned as they are cut and shaped, creating a flawlessly duplicated new key.
While car keys that are standard can be cut using a key cutter, other kinds of keys require special machines. Most newer vehicles are equipped with smart key systems or proximity key fobs which need to be programmed in order to start the engine. To cut these kinds of keys, you require transponder key cutters that can trace the contours of the key and programming it to the vehicle.
In addition to being able to cut various kinds of keys, the car key cutter must be able program the key to allow it to function with the ignition system. There are a myriad of models of car key cutters on the market, each with its own distinctive set of features. The model you pick depends on the kind of key you're cutting and how many keys you have to copy at once.
A car key cutter is an excellent tool to have in your workshop if you wish to master the art of making keys. However, you must be aware that the quality of key cutting machines can differ greatly. It is crucial to purchase an item that is manufactured by a reputable industry manufacturer and comes with a solid warranty. You should also ensure that the machine you buy can be repaired or replaced in the event of need.
There are 3 main kinds of key cutting machines: Manual Semi-Automatic, and Automatic. Manual machines require the user to manually move keys across the key tracer wheel as well as the cutter wheel. They are easy to operate, but require your complete concentration. The JMA Nomad or Silca Flash are excellent choices. Automated Machines are computer-driven and do everything for you, all you need to do is to specify what you want them to do using the software program that is included with the machine.
Programming
If a key is outfitted with a transponder, it needs to be programmed for the particular car. The procedure varies for different models and makes and models, but generally involves inserting the key that is currently in use into ignition and leaving it for a couple of minutes. Then, the new key needs to be inserted and left for another few seconds. This process will allow the car to recognize the new key and allows it to start the vehicle. If you have a newer model vehicle, you may be required to program the keyless entry remote. This requires a sophisticated and expensive device.
Retailers are progressively adding cars key duplication machines to their stores because customers want them. They are simple to use and more accurate than manual key cutting machines. They also eliminate human mistakes, allowing you to cut keys accurately and quickly. These machines are ideal for people who have lost or have damaged keys.
You can also find car key cutters that specialize in the production of key fobs that can be used as replacements to be compatible with the latest models of automobiles. These devices employ the same technology used in duplication machines for car keys, but they can produce up to 50 copies at once. Some models even have touchscreens for efficient operation. They can also make smart keys that include an electronic transponder that opens doors automatically.
A car key cutter can duplicate regular keys made of metal and transponder keys. Some keys have remotes. A regular key is a key that has the same exact cuts on both sides. A remote head is the combination of a normal key and a fob, which includes buttons for locking and unlocking the car.
Most modern vehicles are outfitted with an anti-theft system that blocks keys other than those supplied by the manufacturer to be used in the ignition. The system relies on an electronic chip for communication with the computer in the car. If the chip isn't properly programmed and the car is not programmed correctly, it will not start. A qualified auto locksmith can program a brand new car key for you within a few minutes.