The Car Key Cutter Awards: The Best, Worst, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
mobile car key cutting cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a technique that guarantees safety, efficiency and security for vehicle owners. Standard keys are cut using a key duplicator, which places the original on one side and aligned with a specialized cutting tool to serve as the template. A key guide keeps the two keys in place during the duplication. Machines The machines used to cut keys are specially-designed pieces of equipment that help to form the key blanks. The process involves more than just shaping a piece of metal, however; it also involves tracing the contours of the blank key and cutting it precisely to match the original key. A car key cutter is an essential part of the equipment needed by any locksmith who provides services. A car key cutter makes use of an original key clamp and the cutting blade is specialized to create a duplicate. The original key is used as template and the cutter is guided by a computer program that determines the cuts needed to produce the correct shape. This ensures that the new key will fit in the lock, and will function as it was intended. There are several different types of car key cutters available on the market that include semi-automatic, manual and automated. Most are made of sturdy materials and come with an lever that initiates the cutting process. Edge type keys are often used for car keys. These keys are used to open locks, doors, mailboxes, and autos. They aren't as secure as transponder keys, but they still provide good security and are easily cut. Consider buying a machine that can perform both edge and laser cuts if you're looking for a cutting machine that is key. They can be more expensive than other models, however they are more flexible and better performance. Some of them have a removable chip tray, which can be used to clean debris after each task. Certain models come with a USB connector that allows users to update the software and import code tables without having to take off the tablet. A high-quality machine will not only be able to cut multiple kinds of keys, but it must also have an integrated database which allows you to search for a specific vehicle model or keyway. This feature allows you to save time and effort because you do not have to search for codes manually. It can also help you to improve your efficiency by avoiding errors that could result in a misaligned key. Key Blanks Key blanks are metal shapes with notches, grooves and other features that align with the various pins and wards inside the lock. They can be cut using disk-type key cutting machines, pinning or warding machines or even by hand using a file, the end result is that they are able to fit into a lock's keyway. To stop key duplicates, key blanks can have different imprints stamped on them. Key rings are a good example and a 'Do not duplicate marking. Locksmiths must identify the type of key blank that works with the lock before they are able to make a new key. This can be done by comparing the blank to the existing key or by decoding the cut of the existing key and comparing it to the correct biting on the key cutting machine. Then, the key blank will be cut according to the exact specifications of the original car key. The part number of the key blank is a code that can identify the lock's manufacturer and allows locksmiths to find other blanks that could be used for duplication. The identification codes can contain information regarding the chip in the key's transponder which is used to operate certain modern vehicles. A key blank with a GM code (B111PT) will have a transponder encrypted, whereas a key blank with a Texas Instruments Fixed Code programmable Transponder can be cloned. Certain key blanks might not be compatible with all locks. This is why locksmiths keep multiple kinds of keys on hand. A locksmith who specializes in car keys will require both an automotive transponder blank and a basic key for each brand and model of car. It is easy to change keys for a variety of automobiles by bringing your current key to an AutoZone. A staff member will then select the correct key blank for the vehicle's year, make, and model and cut it using a precise key cutting machine on-site. The whole process generally takes just a few minutes and it is suitable for ignition and door key replacements. The only exception is when the key is equipped with an transponder chip that needs to be programmed. Key stock cut to size A key stock is an angled metal wedge or block that fits between the shaft of a pulley or hub of a sprocket, gear or other rotating device. It is used to drive the device and blocks any movement between the components. The key is split into two parts. One is inserted into the slot cut out for the shaft, referred to as the key seat, and the other slide into the groove on the hub, referred to as the keyway. Key blanks are generally made by a key cutting machine using a simple milling cutter that cuts a keyway slot all the way to the axial diameter of the part. The keyway can have different lengths based on its application. Key blanks can be designed with special features, like an arc or a tapered shape to reduce friction. Transponder chips are part of the majority of modern car keys. These chips must be programmed to match the vehicle. They are also referred to as laser or “laser-cut” keys. Laser-cut keys are much harder to duplicate than traditional metal keys and have an advanced design that improves their durability. Laser cut keys have a different shape blade than standard keys. They also are available in more than seven unique cutting styles. These advanced features make them more robust and less likely to break into the cylinders of lock locks on automobiles. They also reduce car theft by up to 20%. If you're planning to purchase an extra key online, it's important to understand the source of your new key coming from. If it is not a genuine Laser Key it can damage the lock on your car and result in system failure. Also, a blade of low quality will wear out faster and could get stuck in the cylinder of the keyway earlier than a premium blade. Another type of key is a sidewinder, which requires a special high-tech laser cutting machine in order to make. These machines are expensive and require specialized expertise to operate, and aren't readily available for general use. This makes the sidewinder key difficult to copy and more safe from theft. It can be difficult to buy a new sidewinder online, since there are many websites selling these keys. If you purchase from a trusted seller you can be assured that the spare key you receive will be a genuine key with a high quality blade. Keyway Milling Keyways are present in a variety of components. Gears, pulleys, couplings and pump sleeves all require keyways to connect the components and form a secure connection. Milling machines provide the most precise results. Keyway milling can be performed using different types of machining equipment, including EDM, shaping and key seating machines. The milling of keyways is usually done with a specialized milling tool that has the correct cutter's diameter and width for the keyway. This milling cutter also needs to be capable of handling the high level accuracy required to process the keyway. It is true that keyway milling is more complex than traditional milling, however it is also a reliable method to machine. The CLIMAX KM3000 is a mobile key mill that is able to cut both round and square-ended keyways from shafts of different sizes. This machine can cut the keyway to its full depth in less than 4 minutes. It comes with a clamping system that allows you to insert the workpiece inside the milling vise with little effort. This machine is ideal for cutting keyways on large industrial machinery such as shipbuilding, power generation applications. Shaping is an alternative method for keyway cutting, however, it isn't perfect in precision and accuracy. This method requires a skilled operator in order to achieve consistent and repeatable results. The surfaces that are shaped may be more rough than those created by other methods. Keyeating is a good way to cut keys. It can be more expensive than other methods. Keyeating is a continuous-cutting process, which can make it more efficient than wire EDM and shaping. Keyeating is also an excellent option for machining difficult or hard-to-machine material. Car key cutters are a variety of tools for cutting a variety of key sizes and shapes. Some of these tools have multiple jaws to fit different types of keys. This makes it easy to cut the many different kinds of keys for cars available. The most suitable machine for your needs can assist you in maximising efficiency and increase productivity.