Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store
Losing or breaking a spare car key can be a stressful experience especially if replacing it requires that you pay an expense to your local dealership for cars. You can save money if you have the spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store close to you.
What is Key Cutting?

Key cutting is an art that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology for precise shaping keys to ensure they work smoothly and do not cause damage to the ignition. This is essential when you need an extra key or have lost your keys. This process takes only minutes and could help you avoid needing to call a professional locksmith in the case of an emergency lockout.
The process of cutting keys is dependent on the level of the lock's complexity and the type of key you require. Keys with transponders and intelligent ones, for example, use encryption to prevent the unauthorized reuse of the car key. In addition, these keys require a specific programming and configuration to function properly. Key cutting and duplication process is also more complex when dealing with re-keying locks or when you're trying to cut a new key from an existing one that doesn't have the proper code in it.
Many people duplicate their keys to keep an extra. This is especially the case when they move into a new residence or wish to give copies of the key to friends and family. Before you attempt this at your home, it's important to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. To ensure that you get the best quality key, you must use the correct machine and the correct techniques.
Copying your keys is a pain and if it is done incorrectly it could result in flawed copies that won't fit correctly or even allow you to open the lock. Bring your keys that are working to a retailer that offers key duplication services to make sure that your keys are duplicated correctly. A staff member will then match it to the blank of your key, and trace its contours using a precise key-cutting device on the spot.
You can also avoid paying high prices for a replacement key at a dealership by sending your keys to a key duplication shop. In addition to this, you can take advantage of discounts that are provided by shops that allow customers to bring in their keys for duplication.
Keys Types
There are a variety of keys on the market. Each one offers a unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys for instance are easy to use and widely employed in both residential and commercial settings, while mortice keys are a staple of traditional structures and provide more security features. Tubular keys are cylindrical shafts that can be inserted into tubular pin tumbler locks, which are used to secure sheds and bicycles.
In addition to a variety of cutting techniques keys of today can be programmed to be compatible with specific vehicle systems. replacement car key cutting is typically done by a locksmith, or an auto dealer with the appropriate key programming equipment.
For instance, some of the most popular modern car keys are shaped like remotes, and are not required to be turned in order to start the car. These keys are known as smart keys, and they come with a microchip in them that is programmed to the specific brand and model of car they will be used with. They can be programmed and cut by the hands of a locksmith who is also an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
It's always best to keep a spare car key particularly if you live in an area that has high rates of crime. The reason is that car theft has become a frequent and easy crime. However, if you've lost the keys to your car, it is important to duplicate them quickly so that you can get back on the road and not waste time searching for your vehicle.
While a simple key can be cut by an ordinary machine, more complex keys require specialized tools and a skilled technician to accurately duplicate them. Keys made with lasers for instance, feature patterns that consist of long valleys, not the ridges that are typical of older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate due to their complicated shape.
Another kind of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. These keys are commonly found in newer cars and can only be duplicated by a locksmith using the appropriate equipment for programming. This is due to the fact that they have an embedded microchip that needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order to start.
Tools used
You'll require a variety of tools to cut keys professionally. A key duplication machine is required to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive keys. You'll need a key decoder that provides measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks, Schlages, and master keys. Also, key cutting open now 'll need locks and picks as well as long reach tools for unlocking cars. These tools are designed to be used to alter the pins inside the lock cylinder to allow you to unlock the door without damaging the lock.
There are many different kinds of key cutting machines and each one is suitable for a particular kind of lock. A manual key cutter requires you to manually move the key around the cutter and tracing wheels which is ideal for locksmiths who are new or who only need to cut a couple of keys at each time. The JMA Nomad and Silca Flash are excellent choices for a manual key machine.
A key machine that does all the work. However it's more expensive than a manual one. The Silca 040 is the top automated machine available today.
A vice is another essential tool. It is used to hold the key when it is being formed. A large vise is ideal for a car, while smaller ones are sufficient for a van. A high-quality, sturdy vise will last a long time, and help keep the key in place while filing.
You may also want to think about adding a padlock shank to your toolbox. It is used to disassemble padlocks using the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also require a lock pick set and a tubular pick. Both can be used to alter the pins in the key hole of a lock. These tools are especially useful for picking locks which are difficult to open using a regular key.
Finally, a broken key extractor allows you to extract an unusable piece of a key that has become stuck in the key hole. This is a great tool that can be found in basic car opening sets or buy separately.
Safety
It's more than just a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that offers security and ease of mind for the owner. This process involves specialized machinery and software. It should be carried out by a reputable locksmith or car dealership. A cut that is not done correctly could cause damage to the lock and result in extra costs for repair or replacement. A poorly cut key could also cause future problems as it may not fit properly.
It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key with an excellent knife and ensure the proper positioning of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in lower quality cuts, which can result in the key wearing out more quickly and may even break inside the lock. It is also crucial to make sure the key is made of the correct type of metal. Some websites sell cheap sidewinder chips, which may cause damage to the cutting machine used to cut keys or cause the key to malfunction.
After cutting the key if your car has an transponder key or smart key it must be programmed. These keys use encryption so that only the right key can be used to start the car. If you use a service that duplicates keys at home, they may be unable to program the key correctly.
It is recommended to carry an additional car key for these types of vehicles, to ensure that you do not lose the original key or put it in the car. This is especially important when your car is shared with other family members. Having a spare car key will allow everyone to have a separate key chain or lanyard, which will help prevent lockouts by accident and the theft of the key.
Review your warranty coverage basics, insurance or roadside assistance. This can save you money if covered. A spare key can also assist you in the event that your car battery dies or you have run out of gas. This will let you get back to the road quickly and without waiting for a tow-truck or be stuck outside in the frigid winter.