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Save Money by Having Your Car Keys Cut and Programmed at an Ace Store A broken or lost spare car key can be very stressful especially if replacing it will require an expensive fee to your local car dealership. The good news is that you can save money by having your new spare keys cut and programmed at an Ace store near you. What is Key Cutting? It's an art form that offers security, comfort and peace of mind to car owners. It requires the use of advanced technology to precisely cut keys to ensure they function smoothly and don't damage the ignition. This service is vital when you need an extra key or lost keys. This process takes just a few moments and can save you from having to call a professional locksmith in the situation of an emergency lockout. The process of cutting keys varies depending on the type of key you need and the sophistication of the locks. Transponder keys and intelligent keys are for instance, which use encryption to stop unauthorized reuse of the car key. These keys also require specific configuration and programming to work correctly. Key cutting and duplication process is also more complex when you're trying to re-key locks or when you're trying to cut new keys from an existing one that doesn't have the proper code in it. Many people duplicate their keys to keep an extra. This is particularly true when they are moving into a new house or want to give copies of their keys to relatives and friends. Before you attempt this at your home, you need to know the difference between key cutting and duplication. It's crucial that you use the correct machine and the correct techniques for each to ensure a quality key is produced. It can be a pain to get your keys duplicated. If you do it incorrectly, they may not fit correctly or even open the lock. Bring your keys that are working to a shop that offers 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 onto an exact key cutting machine on site. Another advantage of bringing your own keys to a key duplication shop is that you save money with purchasing a replacement key from a dealer. You can also benefit from the discounts offered by shops which allow customers to bring their keys to be duplicated. Keys Types There are a variety of keys available. Each type offers a unique combination of security and convenience. Cylinder keys, for instance, are simple and widely employed in commercial and residential settings, while mortice keys are an essential part of traditional structures and come with more security features. Similar to tubular keys, tubular keys feature a cylindrical shaft that can be fitted into a tubular pin tumbler lock, typically used to secure bicycles and sheds. In addition to a variety of cutting techniques keys of today can be programmed to work with specific car systems. This is usually done by a locksmith or a dealership with the right key programming equipment. Many of the most well-known keys for cars today are designed as remotes, and don't require turning to start the car. They are referred to as smart keys. They have a microchip in them that is coded to the specific make and model of car that they use. These keys can only be programmed and cut by locksmiths who are member of the Associated Locksmiths of America. It's best to always have an extra key, particularly in areas that have high rates of crime. This is because car theft is now a regular and relatively easy criminal enterprise. If you lose your keys, you should duplicate them as soon as possible so you can be back on the road and not waste time searching for your vehicle. A standard key can be duplicated with an ordinary machine. However, keys with a more complex design require special equipment and technicians with the necessary skills to accomplish this. Laser cut keys for instance, feature patterns that consist of long valleys rather than the ridges common to older keys. They are also more difficult to duplicate because of their complex shape. Another kind of key that requires the expertise of a professional to cut is the transponder key. These keys are common in newer cars and can only by duplicated by a locksmith with the appropriate programming equipment. This is due to the fact that they have a microchip inside that needs to be programmed into the vehicle in order to start. Tools Used If you're looking to do key cutting professionally, you'll require a variety of tools. A key duplication machine is needed to cut and duplicate standard keys as well as automotive keys. You'll require a key decoder that gives measurements for Kwiksets, Weslocks and Schlages as well as master keys. You'll also require an lockpick set as well as tools with a long reach to unlock cars. These tools are used to manipulate pins within the lock cylinder, allowing you to open a door without damaging the lock. There are several different types of key cutting machines, and each one is best for a particular type of lock. A manual key cutter will require the user to manually move the key across the cutter and tracing wheels and is suitable 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 great options for a manual key machine. An automatic key machine will do everything for you however, it's more expensive than a manual machine. The Silca 040 automatic machine is the best currently available. Another important tool is a vice that is used to hold the key while it's being shaped. A large vise is ideal for a car, whereas a smaller one is sufficient for vans. A good vise will last for a long time and it's easier to keep your key in place while filing. You could also think about adding a padlock shank into your toolbox. It is used to remove padlocks by putting the thin metal piece around the shackle. You'll also need a lock pick set and a tubular pick, which are used to manipulate the pins in the key hole of locks. These tools are particularly helpful for picking locks that are difficult to open using the standard key. Finally, key cutting cost broken key extractor can allow you to extract an unusable piece of the key that is stuck in the key hole. This is a fantastic tool that can be found in the basic set of car opening kits or purchase separately. Safety It's more than just a simple metal shaping. It's an art form that gives security, convenience and peace of mind to the owner. This process requires special equipment and software. This procedure should be carried out by a reputable car dealership or locksmith. If you cut the key incorrectly, it could damage the lock, leading to additional expenses for replacement or repair. A badly cut key can also cause future problems as it may not fit properly. It is essential to select a professional to cut your spare key with high-end knives and ensure the proper positioning of the chip. Blades that are less expensive can result in lower quality cuts, which can cause the key to wear out faster and possibly even break inside the lock. It is also important to ensure that the key is made from the correct type of metal. Some websites sell low-quality sidewinder chips, which may cause damage to the key cutting machine or cause the key to fail. If your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or smart key, it will have to be programmed following the key cutting process. These types of keys use encryption to ensure that only the correct key is allowed to start the car. If you are using a service that duplicates keys at home, you may be unable to program the key correctly. It is recommended that you have an extra car key for these kinds of vehicles, to ensure that you don't lose the original 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 member to have a separate lanyard or key chain, that will stop lockouts from happening accidentally and theft of the key. Review your basic warranty coverage and roadside assistance. This could save you money if it is covered. A spare key could be useful in the event that you are running out of fuel or your car's battery dies. This will enable you to get back on the road quickly without waiting for a tow truck or getting stuck in the freezing cold.