The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Car key cutting is a service that many car owners depend on. It's important to know the cost prior to you make a decision.
Many hardware stores and box stores have key-cutting machines that you can easily create copies of your keys. They typically cost only a few dollars.
Cost of Key Blanks
For basic keys such as house keys, car keys and key fobs the cost of cutting them usually a couple of dollars. The majority of hardware stores have key duplication equipment that can cut keys in one pass. This process uses the original key as a template, and the blank key is positioned with a specific cutter which cuts both keys simultaneously. This allows you to easily create a key exactly like the original in terms of size and shape.
However, these simple machines can't duplicate more sophisticated key types that make use of transponder chips or remote functions. These keys require a professional to program them on site before they will work with your car. This is why many people prefer to go to a locksmith or dealer professional when they lose their keys or need replacements.
There aren't many hardware stores that can duplicate these key types of advanced technology. If you own a newer car, you will need to visit a dealership to obtain a duplicate key.
If you'd like to avoid this expense, consider purchasing an empty key blank from an online retailer. They are only a fraction of the ones you can find in a retail store and come with blanks of different sizes and shapes. Key blanks in bulk allow you to create more copies of the same key for less cost.
mobile car key cutting , Ron Sparer lost his car key. He was aware that the need for a replacement but he didn't want spend $300 at the dealer. He looked for a solution and discovered that a few Ace Hardware stores had a program that could assist him in creating an identical key that would work with the car Toyota. The only problem is that he has to know the code for the RF chip molded into the back of the fob. Thanks to YouTube to find the code for the new key and follow the directions.
Cost of Equipment
The cutting of keys for cars requires tools to make a replacement ignition key that is the same. Modern car keys include various anti-theft features, including encryption which guarantees that only the key that is coded correctly can be used to start your car. This technology is designed to deter thieves from attempting to duplicate or tamper with your keys, making them more difficult for them to use. Car key cutting is a special service that requires specific equipment to create a flawless copy of your car's key. A professional locksmith will have the right equipment to ensure that your new key functions properly in all locks and is safe for use in your vehicle. A professional locksmith will offer a guarantee on their services. This is a great advantage if you're worried about the quality.
The cutting process of car keys begins with a fully functioning working key being inserted into the lock to be copied. The key that was cut is then the template for the new one is copied using a key duplication machine. A blank key is then placed on the opposite side of the machine, and both are pushed through the cutting mechanism, resulting in a new key that is exactly like the original. There are various types of key duplicating machines, including a single-key cutter as well as a dual-key cutter that can handle both mortice and key cylinders. In recent times, key-duplication tools have become more sophisticated and are fitted with software that allows them to cut both traditional keys made of metal as well as smart transponder keys. These key duplication systems are more precise than conventional tools, which makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate your car keys without your knowledge.
Some auto shops offer key copying which is a simpler procedure than key cutting. An associate will select a blank key compatible with your model year, year, and make. The key blank is traced using a machine to accurately reproduce the contours of your original. However, this method is not recommended for vehicles with integrated transponder chips, as the copied key might not be capable of starting the vehicle.
Cost of Labor
In the past, if you lost your car keys it was simple to just go to a local hardware store or locksmith shop and obtain a replacement. Modern cars are equipped with remote transmitters and transponder chip that make it harder to duplicate a car key. Typically, the only option to replace these kinds of keys is to visit the dealership, which could be costly.
The complexity and type of key will also determine the cost. The basic house keys are affordable to duplicate, however keys for cars that have key fobs and other features cost more because they are more difficult to duplicate and require a specific machine. The price of a duplicate key is contingent on the number of copies you require.
Standard keys are the most commonly used kind of car key. They are easy to duplicate and don't require any programming. However, modern cars use transponder keys, which are more expensive to copy as they require programming to work with your vehicle. Certain keys also have transponder chips built into them that require programming.
The cost of duplicating keys can vary from $25 to $300 depending on the type of keys, duplication equipment used, and the price of the blank key. To get the most competitive prices on key duplication, search for a locksmith who is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
In addition to the expense of the key blank as well as the duplication machine, you'll also have to pay for labor when you require an entirely new key. This can be as low as $10 depending on the type of keys however, it could be higher if you have to purchase a new fob or to bring a professional to your house or workplace. You can save money by choosing a locksmith or cutter who will provide you with an estimate for free. You'll know what to expect and decide whether to take the service or not prior to deciding. This is important if you are replacing a key that requires a machine to duplicate.
Cost of Programming
Car key cutting is just one aspect of the overall cost for replacing lost car keys. A car locksmith must program the new key so that it is compatible with your current one. This can be a lengthy process. The cost of programming the new key is determined by the year, model and make of your car. It could also be affected by the type of key you need. The most advanced keys require a transponder chip which must be programmed in order to start your car. This helps to prevent theft of your car and adds additional security.
The most commonly used car key type is one that is simple and flat. Keys of this kind can be cut by locksmiths or a hardware shop or even at large box stores. The process of replicating a flat blade costs between $5 and $10. High security keys, on the other hand, have a more complex design and are harder to reproduce. The extra security feature is why they are more expensive and requires a more specific cutting machine.
Most modern cars come equipped with transponder chips inside their keys that need to be connected to the vehicle in order to function. It is important to have spare car keys. A professional will need to replace the chip in your key if you lose it. The process is straightforward, but takes some time.
While many big box stores offer duplicate car keys however, they aren't always equipped with the ability to program newer transponder keys. In the same way, many independent auto repair shops and dealerships don't have the tools needed to do this either. Therefore, it's important to locate a local locksmith who can program new car keys.
The price of a car key fob can vary between $50-$400. The cost varies based on the type of key and whether it comes with a remote fob integrated into it or not. A separate fob, that isn't integrated with the key, will cost $75 to program. A key-and-fob combination will be more expensive and may cost as much as $300 to program. Switchblade keys that have the key that folds into the fob to resemble the shape of a switchblade and is more expensive to program.