Car key services provided by car dealerships, locksmiths, auto repair shops and similar professionals are a straightforward aspect of vehicle ownership, but it’s important to understand more about the difference between car key duplication and car key cutting before taking your car key to a car key service provider.
Car key duplication is the process of making an exact replica of an existing key, such as when you want an extra key for convenience, while car key cutting is the process of making a new key from scratch, such as if you lose your car key or need a replacement key
Difference Between Car Key Duplication and Car Key Cutting
Car key duplication and car key cutting serve different purposes and achieve different things in different ways. When it comes to car key duplication, its purpose is to copy an existing key exactly. An example of this would be if I was outsourcing the creation of a spare key. Copies can be made easily, quickly and relatively inexpensively.
On the other hand, car key cutting is the process by which a key is made by measuring the shape of a lock and creating a key that matches its profile. This is ideal for making new keys when the original has been lost or damaged, as well as replicas of existing keys that have worn out.
It is important to understand the difference in purpose and process when it comes to car key duplication and car key cutting so that you can choose the service that best suits your needs.
Explanation of Car Key Duplication
Car key duplication is the process of making a duplicate of an existing key by using the original as a model for copying. Key duplication is a simple and quick service which most locksmiths usually provide, like Kennedy Locksmiths DC.
When to Choose Car Key Duplication?
A car key copy is exactly what you need when you want to have an extra key handy; for instance, when you need to give a key to a family member, or if you want to keep a spare, just in case you lose the original
Benefits of Car Key Duplication
There are advantages in car key duplication. For example, if you need a spare car key, this option is much faster, cheaper and easier. You can get spare keys from a good service.
Speed and Efficiency
A conventional key can take 10 or 15 minutes, which is highly convenient for those requiring a spare key immediately.
Cost-Effectiveness
It is much cheaper for you to get a copy of the key made than for the locksmith to make a new key from scratch. A cheap alternative to getting a new key is to get a copy.
Convenience and Security
But having two keys means it’s easier for you to find the key that was in your possession the last time you entered. Having a spare key helps to reduce the chances you will be locked out, and also ensures you always have a key on hand.
When you need a copy of your car key done the right way, you can trust Kennedy Locksmiths DC to reproduce it precisely, as well as the way your original one works.
What Car Key Cutting Involves?
A car key cutting is the creation of a new key from a blank. It is when someone wants a key but doesn’t have a previous copy of the key and the locksmith cuts a new key that will match the specific grooves, and measurements of your cars lock. Kennedy Locksmiths DC will make sure the new key matches the specifications of the lock on your car in order to open your vehicle.
Situations Requiring New Key Creation
Loss of vehicle key; damage of vehicle key; original key not available for copy; cutting of keys to a complex locking system; cutting of keys for vehicle/machine where no spare is available.
Advantages of Car Key Cutting Precision and Accuracy
A car key cut to precise dimensions fits the lock much more accurately than a freeform laser-etch would. Since a lock (and ignition, and door) rely on the precise interaction of hundreds of pins, bumps and teeth, mis-cut keys can cause odd behavior, breakages and jams.
New Key Creation for Lost or Damaged Keys
This service is needed when your original key is missing or damaged beyond repair. You can cut car keys even if the original is missing, as long as you have the make and model.
Enhanced Security
As a result, you can also increase security by creating a new key in case you think that your old key may have been compromised. Thus, only the keys that you approved will operate your vehicle.
Kennedy Locksmiths provides skilled car key cutting for all of your vehicle key needs for optimal functionality.
Comparing Car Key Duplication and Car Key Cutting
Car key duplication and car key cutting are different services which are provided by the same service provider. These are the services which help people to get car keys. These services are used sometimes for different purposes. These services have different procedures and it can be used to get keys.
One of the services is a key duplicate. It is a service where you will get an exact copy of your key. It can be used when you already have an existing key and you want to get the extra key quickly. Exact copy can be gotten when you type the right key code.
Another service is the key cutting. This is another method when you will get the key from scratch depending on your prefered key shape or key code. This method is mostly used when you have not existing key which can be duplicated. This method can be used also when a key is lost or broken.
The difference between this two services is complexity. The key cutting is more complicated than key duplication. Key cutting is used for various reasons.
Key Duplication Process
The process of key duplication begins with an original key. It is used as a template from which the shape and grooves of a key cutting machine copy. A duplicate key is created. It serves the same purpose as the original key since it is a perfect copy. It is quick and only minor changes are required. This would be ideal if a spare key is required.
Key Cutting Process
With car key cutting, you start with a blank key that you cut to the specs of the vehicle’s lock. If you have a key code and/or a working key, you go in with that information and use it to cut a new key to the right measurements. If the original key is lost, the locksmith will have to take the lock apart to measure and cut a new key right to the lock. This is a far more involved process than duplication; it requires a much higher level of knowledge and precision to ensure the new key works.
Choosing the Right Service for Your Needs
When to Duplicate Keys/When to Copy Keys Key duplication will be the appropriate choice when you already have an existing key that needs to be duplicated. For instance, the locks on your doors and other entrances around the house may need to be secured with additional keys. You might either want to give a spare key to a family member in case of emergencies or have one yourself in case your main one gets lost. ideal solution is to resort to key duplication.
When to Opt for Key Cutting?
We use key cutting when you’ve lost your original key or damaged it beyond repair, but particularly when duplication isn’t possible – such as when there is no existing key for a vehicle to duplicate, and you need a new key created from scratch. This type of key service requires more adjustment and fit than simply cutting a spare, and usually requires more specific details due to the lack of any existing key.
Car key duplication and car key cutting can both be undertaken by Kennedy Locksmiths, enabling you to find the right one for your particular needs and circumstances.
FAQs
What is the main difference between car key duplication and car key cutting?
The main difference between the two is that car key duplication simply involves the cutting or copying of an existing key, whereas car key cutting is used as a means of creating a new key when the original key has been lost or damaged.
Can I get a duplicate key if I don’t have the original?
Wrong – you need an existing key from which you can make a new one. If you don’t have the original, the process is car key cutting, where you start from first principles: your car.
How long does it take to duplicate a car key?
Key duplication is a fairly quick process, usually taking around 10 minutes or less, depending on the key and the equipment used.
How long does it take to cut a new car key?
Car key cutting takes literally longer than duplication. It might seem strange but if you lose your key, you will have to re-met and cut a new key, which takes more time.
Is there a difference in cost between duplication and cutting?
Yes, the reason key duplication is usually cheaper is that it’s much easier to take an existing key and make another one from it, whereas key cutting is like starting from scratch and so is more expensive.
Conclusion
Sometimes, especially when we are looking for more affordable services, we might have a hard time distinguishing between terms such as “car key duplication” or “car key cutting”. What is the difference, exactly? Well, if you need a spare car key from an original, duplication is what you can get. It is reasonably priced and won’t take, if you lost all not have an original car you might want to consider an option.
It will take a little longer and cost a bit more, since the blank key must be measured in order to make sure it works. That being said, understanding these differences will help you determine your needs, and ensure that your keys are in good hands. Kennedy Locksmiths DC is a professional, affordable, and skilled company that can assist you with your key services, whether they are duplicates or cuts.
