What Is Key Cutting?

Key Cutting is a service that involves making duplicate keys for people. A spare set of keys is useful for a number of reasons, including preventing unauthorized access to property and helping prevent lockouts. It’s also helpful to have a spare set of keys on hand in case of accidental damage to the original keys. A spare set can also be handy if you use your keys often and need to replace them due to wear and tear.

Those that need to have their keys cut often include homeowners, auto owners and commercial property owners. The construction of new homes and business buildings has led to a greater need for key cutting services, as well as the ongoing renovations and replacement of old locks. People are also more likely to lose their keys, which can lead to a stressful situation in which they need to break into their own property or wait for a locksmith to arrive to help them gain entry.

A key cutting machine is used to create copies of keys that have been damaged or lost. The key cutting machine essentially uses an electronic code to understand the pattern of the key’s grooves and cuts the appropriate amount of metal from the blank key. Many different types of key patterns exist, and each requires a specific type of blank to work properly. Some keys also have special features that cannot be duplicated using a regular key-cutting machine, such as indented symbols or magnetic components.

Most key cutting machines have a vice that holds the original key while the blank is placed on top of it. This helps ensure that the blank key is even with the original, and an alignment tool is typically provided to help align the keys properly. The blade is then moved down to cut the desired amount of metal from the blank, creating a key that is identical to the original.

It is important to find a reputable key cutter to avoid getting ripped off or having your keys cut poorly. It’s a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search online reviews to find out which companies are rated highest by past customers. It’s also a good idea to shop around, as prices and quality can vary widely.

Some key cutting services offer a range of other services as well, such as programming or duplicating electronic keys. These processes are more complex than standard cutting and require a special machine that can communicate with the vehicle’s computer system. To do this, the technician needs a special code that is usually obtained from the car manufacturer or through diagnostic equipment. This is in addition to the mechanical process of cutting the key blank, which can be done with a standard key-cutting machine. This is why it’s important to find a company that has experience with the make and model of your vehicle.

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