The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Many car owners rely on the service of cutting keys for their vehicles. It's important to know the cost prior to you decide.
Hardware stores and box stores usually have key-cutting kiosks where you can make an easy copy of your keys. They usually cost a few dollars.
Cost of Key Blanks
For basic keys such as car keys, house keys and key fobs the cost of cutting them usually a couple of dollars. This is because most hardware stores have a key duplication machine that can cut these types of keys in a single pass through the machine. The process uses the original key as a model and the blank key to align with a specific cutter that cuts them simultaneously. This allows you to easily create a key identical to the original in terms of size and shape.
However, these simple devices aren't able copy the more advanced keys that use transponder chips or remote functions. These keys require the expertise of a professional to program them on the spot before they can work with your vehicle. Many people will go to a professional locksmith or dealership when they need to replace their keys.
Although most hardware stores are able to copy these more advanced key types but not all have the capability. If you have a newer automobile, you'll have to go to the dealership to get an identical key.
Consider purchasing a package of keys that are blank from an online retailer to save the cost. These packages are available for less than what you would pay in a store and include blanks of different shapes and sizes. Bulk key blanks allow you to create more copies of the same key at less cost.
A few years ago, Ron Sparer lost his car key. He knew it was time to replace it, 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 help him create an identical key that worked with the car Toyota. The only drawback is that he has to know the code for the RF chip that is molded into the end of the fob. Fortunately, he was able to find the code and follow directions on YouTube to make his new key work.
Cost of Equipment
The cutting process for car keys involves using tools to create an ignition key that's identical to the original. Modern car keys come with several anti-theft features like encryption, which guarantees only the correct coded ignition key can be used to start your car. This technology is designed to discourage thieves from attempting to duplicate or alter your keys. It is a specialized job that requires specific equipment in order to make the perfect replica of your car key. A professional locksmith has the tools necessary to ensure that a replacement key is secure and compatible with all locks. They 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 car key cutting usually begins with a fully functioning, working key that is put into the lock to be copied. A key duplication machine is then utilized to duplicate the cut at the end of the original key which serves as a model for the new key. The blank key is positioned on the opposite side of the machine, and both are simultaneously moved through the cutting mechanism. This results in keys that are identical to the original. There are a variety of key duplicating machines including a single-key cutter as well as a dual-key cutter that is able to handle both mortice and cylinder keys. In recent years, key duplication tools are becoming more sophisticated and have been equipped with software that enables them to cut the cuts on both traditional metal keys and smart transponder keys. These key duplication machines are more precise than the traditional tools. This makes it much more difficult for thieves who take your car keys to do this without knowing about it.
Some stores for automobiles also offer key cloning which is a much simpler process than key cutting. An associate will select a blank key compatible with your model year, make, and year. The blank key will be traced by a machine in order to precisely duplicate the contours of the original key. However this method isn't recommended for vehicles with integrated transponder chips because the copied key may not be capable of starting the vehicle.
Cost of Labor
In the past when you lost your car keys, it was easy enough to just go to the local hardware store or locksmith and get a new one. But, modern cars have remote transmitters and transponder chips which make it harder to duplicate keys. Typically, the only way to replace these keys is to go to the dealer, which can be expensive.
The complexity and type of key also affect the cost. Keys for houses are cheap to duplicate, but keys for cars with key fobs and other features cost more because they are more complicated to duplicate and require a specific machine. The price of a duplicate key will depend on the number of copies you need.
The most popular types of car keys are regular keys, which are inexpensive to duplicate and do not require any programming. Transponder keys are found in modern cars and they cost more to duplicate because they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Furthermore, some key fobs come with transponder chips built-in, which need to be programmed as well.
The cost of key duplication can vary from $25 to $300 depending on the type of keys, the duplication equipment used and the cost of the blank key. To get the best price on key duplication, search for a professional who is part of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
You'll have to pay for labor, in addition to the cost of the duplication machines and key blanks when you require a replacement key. Depending on the type of key, this may be as low as $10, however, it could be more expensive when you need to pay for a brand new fob or a professional locksmith to visit your home or worksite. To save money, try to find the key cutter or locksmith who offers a free estimate. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect prior to you sign up for the services. where to get car key cut is especially important if you're replacing the car key, which requires a special machine to duplicate it.
Cost of Programming
Car key cutting is a small part of the overall cost of replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith for cars needs to program the new key to match your current one, which is lengthy. The cost of programming the new key is determined by the model, year and make of your vehicle. The type of key that you require will also affect the price. Transponder chips are required for more advanced keys to start your vehicle. This prevents car thefts and adds security.
The most common car keys are flat, simple blade. Keys can be made by a locksmith, a hardware store, or even big box stores. A flat blade key usually costs $5-$10 to duplicate. Keys with high security, on the other hand, have a more complex design and are more difficult to reproduce. The additional security feature can make them more expensive and requires a more specific cutting machine.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of modern vehicles. These need to be connected with the vehicle in order to function. This is why it is vital to have a spare set of car keys. A professional will need to replace the chip on your key in the event that you lose it. The procedure is simple however it takes a bit of time.
Many big box stores offer duplicate services for car keys, however they are not equipped to program the latest transponder key. Similarly, some independent auto repair shops and dealerships do not have the necessary equipment to do this either. This is why it is important to locate a locksmith in your area who can make new keys for your vehicle.
The cost of the car key fob could vary between $50-$400. This cost is influenced by the type of key and whether it comes with a remote fob integrated into it or not. A separate fob that isn't included in the key will usually cost about $75 to program. Programming a key-and-fob combination can be expensive, costing up to $300. Switchblade keys, which include a key that folds into the fob, resembling a switchblade knife, will be more expensive to program as well.