What Is Car Key Cutting?

Modern car keys aren't cut at a self-service kiosk located in the mall. They require specialized sidewinder equipment, and are designed to be compatible with the lock cylinders of your car.

Understanding the difference between duplication of car keys and cutting car keys will save you time, money and stress.

Keys

The cutting process of a car key is used to create a brand new car key. Professionals are typically the ones who perform this because it requires specially designed equipment to mark a key's distinctive shape and ensure that it is a good fit for the locks. In addition, professionals can usually offer a warranty on the work that they do.

In the past keys for cars were easy, but modern technologies have made them more complex. Smart keys are used in many vehicles to prevent theft. They are encrypted and come with other security measures. These features are designed to make it difficult for thieves to replicate or tamper with the key and also assist the owner to keep the track of who has used their vehicle.

Traditional car keys are flat and have a rectangular form. They are much thinner than sidewinder keys and have the same cut on both sides of the blade. Because they have the identical cut on both sides, these kinds of keys can be used in locks in any way. These keys can be duplicated with standard key machines available in hardware stores.

Laser cut keys were introduced in the 1990s, and were primarily used by luxury car manufacturers. The technology was successfully implemented in a variety of models to stop theft of cars. Laser cut keys are thicker than traditional keys, and they have more carved out grooves in their shanks. They are a bit more expensive to produce but they're also more secure.

To cut a laser-cut key, the locksmith must first decode an existing key in the store. The locksmith then adjusts the key-cutting machine to match the key's cut and then cuts the blade. This kind of key is harder to copy and is more difficult. It is essential that the locksmith uses an efficient manual machine like the Framon 2 machine or the Silca Futura Auto and Futura Pro. These machines can also originate keys, which means that they can make a new key from a key that has been cut.

Tools

Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece; it's an art that guarantees security, function and durability. Properly cut keys guarantee that they will fit into the lock and won't harm it or the ignition. No matter if you need a traditional mechanical key or a transponder, smart or smart key professional will make sure that it's cut properly.

To create duplicate keys the key is positioned on the machine's side and aligned with a special key cutting cutting tool. This is used as an outline. A blank key is placed on the opposite side of the machine and aligned to a key guide. This will keep both keys in line during duplication. The two keys are cut simultaneously to produce duplicates that are identical to the original key.

Look for a key cutter that has multiple jaws that are able to hold the key. Two-way jaws are ideal to duplicate standard keys while a four-way jaw is better to duplicate key blades cut by laser. Additionally, if you're using the machine to make keys for cars, such as a transponder or remote head keys make sure there's enough space between the jaws for these styles of key.

The right tool will help you start your business. A Defu 2A key duplicator, for instance, is affordable and has the capability to cut almost every kind of key except for high security blanks. This model is mobile car key cutting and ideal for those who wish to start their own car key cutting business.

Investing in a high-end key cutting machine can be expensive, but it's well worth the cost since it will allow you to create and cut most keys by code including transponder and smart keys. It's also useful for programming and cloning RW4, MBOX, ZBULL and other key chips. If you want to program and clone high-security chips however, you'll need an additional device that can communicate with the onboard system of your vehicle and read the unique identification number (VIN). Choosing the right equipment for your key cutting business can save you time and money in the long run.

Cutting

The key duplicator is a device that cuts new keys to fit the shape of the ones that are already in use. The key that was originally used is placed on one side of machine and aligned with the cutting tool. This is used as a template to design the new key. The blank key will be positioned on opposite side of the machine. A key guide is utilized to keep the two keys aligned as they are cut and shaped, creating a flawlessly duplicated key.

While standard car key cutting and programming getting keys cut can be cut using the key cutter, other types of keys require specialized machinery. Many modern vehicles are fitted with smart key systems or proximity key fobs that need to be programmed in order to start the engine. To cut these types of keys, you need transponder key cutters that is capable of tracing the contours of the key and programming it to the vehicle.

In addition being able cut various types of keys, a car key cutter also 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 available on the market each with its own distinctive set of features. The model you pick depends on the type of key you are cutting and the number of keys you will need to copy at one time.

If you're interested in learning how to make your own keys, a car key maker could be a great tool for your workshop. However, you should be aware that the quality of key cutting equipment can vary significantly. It is crucial to purchase a machine that is made by a reputable industry manufacturer with a long warranty. Also, make sure that the machine is easily replaced or repaired if needed.

There are three types of key cutting machines: Manual, semi-automatic and automatic. Manual machines require you to manually move keys across the key tracer wheel as well as the cutter wheel. They are simple to operate however they require your full focus. A good choice would be the JMA Nomad, Silca Flash or the Silca 045. Automated Machines are computer-driven, and do all the work for you. All you need to do is give them the information you need to do using the software that comes with the machine.

Programming

If a key is equipped with transponder, it has to be programmed for the particular car. The procedure differs between models and makes however, it usually involves inserting the key that is currently in use into the ignition and letting it sit for a short period of time. Then the new key needs to be inserted and left there for a few minutes. This allows the car's computer to recognize the key and begin the mobile car key cutting. If you have a more recent model car, you may also have to program the keyless entry remote. This requires a more complicated and expensive device.

Retailers are adding more cars key duplication machines to their stores because customers demand them. These machines are easy to use and are more precise than manual key cutting machines. They also eliminate human mistakes, allowing you to cut a key precisely and quickly. These machines are perfect for those who have lost their keys or have damaged them.

You can also find car key cutters that specialize in the creation of replacement key fobs to match the latest models of vehicles. These devices use the exact same technology that duplication machines use for car keys, but can create up to 50 copies at once. Some models have touchscreens for better operation. They can also help you design smart keys that have an electronic transponder that opens doors in a controlled manner.

A car key cutter can duplicate regular keys made of metal and transponder keys. Some keys also come with a remote head. A regular key has the same cut on both sides. A remote head is a combination of a normal key and a fob, that has buttons for locking and unlocking the car.

Modern cars are equipped with an anti-theft system which prohibits the use of keys other than the ones provided by the manufacturer in the ignition. This system relies upon an electronic chip for communication with the computer in the car. The car will not start in the event that the chip is not programmed correctly. A professional auto locksmith can program a new car key for you in just a few minutes.