A car key is a device that can be used by inserting it into the ignition and turning, which will release the car door from its locked position.
Safety Locksmith Las Vegas discusses how a locksmith makes a car key, what materials they need to complete this task, and what steps must be taken to avoid making mistakes when installing an automobile lock.
Car Assessment
A locksmith will first have to assess the car to determine the lock they are dealing with. If by any chance, they are not able to, they typically ask the owner for more information about their vehicle’s brand and model.
Sometimes, there maybe three or four different types of locks in a car, which means they’ll need to know exactly how each looks and works.
Once a locksmith knows about all the different types of locks of the vehicle, they can look for replacement parts.
Tracing Key Code
If a locksmith needs to make a new key, they need specific information about the car lock. To cut the key and make sure that all parts fit together, they need to know how many ridges are on each side of the key’s blade and where those ridges end. This is called a “key code.” Key codes allow locksmiths to create new keys that will work just as well as the old ones.
These measurements can be found on a report from an automotive expert, but they can also be acquired by tracing around broken keys with carbon paper or even a pencil.
If the locksmith is using their own tools, they can look at how many ridges there are from where they’ve been cutting keys in the past and compare it to what’s on the key-code sheet until they have a match.
Replicate the Key
The first step in replicating a car key is for them to gather the materials that they need. These include a metal blank, key-cutting file, and of course, their tools to cut with so that it matches up with all of the ridges on the broken keys’ code sheet.
The locksmith starts by taking measurements from both sides of each side of their car’s lock to determine where exactly the ridges are.
They then begin to cut this pattern into the metal, which will create a new key that looks just like the one before it broke off inside of its lock.
Once they have finished cutting their code onto both sides of each blade, they test out every piece by inserting them all together to make sure they work.
If everything fits together, the locksmith is done, and they can take it to their customer to use it in place of a broken key.
If there are any errors with the way it’s been cut, it needs to be fixed before completing the installation, or else people will not be able to use the key.
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Program the Key
In some cases, a locksmith will need to program the key as well. To do this properly, they will have to use a special computer that can interface with their car’s central computer system to initialize it and give ownership over to whoever is using the new key.
The locksmith will need to use their car key’s VIN to get into the car’s computer system. They then have to tell it that they are making a new key for this vehicle, which is done by entering an identification number of sorts.
Once the central computer has been programmed with all relevant information about the current owner and the new key, the locksmith will hand it off to their customer to use it without any problems.
Testing the Key
The locksmith’s last step in the process is to make sure that their new key works perfectly.
They should try it out on each car door by starting up the engine and checking any other functions controlled by a lock or buttons inside the vehicle.
If there are any problems, it will be a simple matter of going back to the locksmith and having them make some tweaks so that everything can work properly again.
When you need a new car key, then finding a professional and skilled locksmith is essential.
Professional locksmith services not only guarantee you quality results but will help you save a lot of time and money compared to your key situation handled by an inexperienced key dealer.
