See What Cost Of Car Key Cutting Tricks The Celebs Are Utilizing
The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Many car owners depend on the service of cutting keys for their cars. It's important to know the cost before you make a choice.
Box stores and hardware stores often have key-cutting kiosks which allow you to make an easy copy of your keys. They usually cost you a few dollars.
Cost of Key Blanks
For basic key types like house keys, car keys, and key fobs, the cost of cutting them usually only a few dollars. Most hardware stores have key duplication equipment which can cut these keys in a single move. This process uses the original key as template, and then the blank key is positioned with a specific cutter that cuts both keys at once. This makes it easy to design a new key that matches the original in terms of shape and size.
These simple machines can't copy advanced key types, such as keys that utilize remote functions or transponder chips. These keys usually require a professional to come onsite and program the key before they are able to use your vehicle. This is why many people prefer to visit a locksmith or dealership professional when they lose their keys or need replacements.
There aren't many hardware stores that can copy these advanced key types. This means that if you are driving a newer model vehicle you might need to visit your dealership in order to have a duplicate key made.
You could consider purchasing a set of keys that are blank from an online retailer to save the expense. These packages are available for a fraction the cost of the ones you can find in a retail store and come with blanks of different shapes and sizes. Key blanks are also available in bulk, allowing you to make several copies at a lower cost per key.
Ron Sparer lost the key to his car years ago. He knew it was time to replace it, however, he didn't want spend $300 at a dealer. He searched for a solution, and discovered that a few Ace Hardware stores had a program to help him create a duplicate key which worked with the car Toyota. The only catch is that he needs to know the code for the RF chip molded into the back of his fob. Fortunately, he was able to locate the code and follow directions on YouTube to make his new key work.
Cost of Equipment
The process of cutting keys for cars requires tools to make a replacement ignition key that is identical. Modern car keys have a number of anti-theft features such as encryption that ensures only the correct coded ignition key can be used to start your vehicle. This technology is designed to stop thieves from attempting to duplicate or tamper with your keys which makes them harder to access. It is a job that is highly specialized that requires special equipment in order to make the perfect replica of your car keys. A professional locksmith will have the right equipment to ensure that your new key functions properly in all locks and is safe to use in your vehicle. They will also offer a warranty on their services which is a significant benefit if you are concerned about the quality of their work.
The process of cutting keys for cars typically begins with a fully functional, working original key that is then inserted into a lock to be copied. The original key is cut and the template for the new key is copied using a key duplication device. The blank key is positioned on the opposite side of the machine and both are simultaneously moved through the cutting mechanism. This creates keys that are identical to the original. There are different types of key duplicating machines including a single cutter and a dual key cutter that can work with mortice and cylinder keys. In recent years, key duplication tools have become more advanced and come with software that enables them to cut the cuts on both traditional metal keys and smart transponder keys. These key duplication tools are more precise than traditional tools, making it difficult for thieves to duplicate your car keys without knowledge.
Some auto shops offer key cloning services which is a less complicated process than key cutting. A representative will choose keys that are compatible with your model year, year, and make. The key blank is then traced by a machine to precisely replicate the contours of the original. This method is not recommended if your car includes a transponder chip in it, as it might not allow you to start your car with the key copied.
Cost of Labor
In the past, you could easily find a replacement key at an area hardware or locksmith store in case you lost your key. Modern cars are equipped with remote transmitters and transponder chip that make it harder to duplicate a car key cutters key. In most instances, the only option to replace the keys is to visit the dealership. This can be costly.
The complexity and the type of key will also determine the cost. The process of copying the basic house keys is inexpensive, but keys with key fobs or other features are more expensive due to the fact that they require a separate machine and take longer to copy. The cost of a key also depends on how many you want to copy.
The most popular types of car keys are regular keys, which are inexpensive to duplicate and do not require any programming. However, modern cars utilize transponder keys, which are much more expensive to copy because they require programming to work with your car. Furthermore, some key fobs come with transponder chips built-in, which require programming in addition.
The cost of key duplication could vary between $25 and $300 based on the type of keys, duplication equipment used and the cost of the blank key. If you are looking to get the best price on key duplications you should find an expert who is a member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
You'll need to pay labor, as well as the cost of the duplication machines and key blanks when you need a replacement key. It could be as low as $10 depending on the type of key and the type of key, but it could be higher if you're required to purchase a replacement fob or have a professional come to your home or office. You can save money by finding a locksmith or key cutter that will give you a free estimate. This way, you'll know exactly what you can expect before you sign a contract. This is important if you are replacing the key, which requires a machine to duplicate.
Cost of Programming
Car key cutting is a small part of the total cost of replacing lost keys for cars. A locksmith for cars must program the new key to match the existing one, which could be an extremely time-consuming process. The cost of programming the new key is determined by the model, year and model of your car. The type of key you need can also affect the price. Transponder chips are needed for the more advanced keys to start your car. This prevents car thefts and adds security.
The most commonly used car key is a flat, simple blade. These keys can be made by a locksmith or hardware store or even some big box stores. A flat blade key typically costs between $5 and $10 to duplicate. High security keys however are more intricate in design and are harder to duplicate. They cost more due to the additional security and require a more sophisticated machine to cut them.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of modern automobiles. These need to be paired to the vehicle to function. This is why it's important to have an extra set of car keys. If you lose your car key professional assistance is required to replace the chip inside the key to allow it to start your car. The process is straightforward, but it does take some time.
Although some big box stores provide the duplication of car keys however, they aren't always equipped with the capability to program newer transponder keys. Some independent auto repair shops or dealerships also lack the necessary equipment. Therefore, it's important to find a locksmith in your area who can program new car keys.
The cost of a car key fob can vary between $50-$400. The cost varies based on the type of key used and Cost of Car Key Cutting whether it comes with a remote fob integrated into it or not. A separate fob, that isn't included with the key will cost $75 to program. A key-and-fob combination will be more expensive and could cost up to $300 to program. Switchblade keys, which have a key that folds into the fob, resembling an switchblade knife, will be more expensive to program, as well.
