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 decide.
Many hardware stores and box stores have key-cutting equipment where you can easily cut copies of your keys. These typically cost a few bucks.
Cost of Key Blanks
For the most basic types of keys like house keys, car keys and key fobs the cost of cutting them is usually only a couple of dollars. This is due to the fact that most hardware stores have a key duplication machine that can cut these types of keys in one run through the machine. This method uses the original as a template, and the blank key is lined up with a specific cutter that cuts both keys at once. This makes it easy to design a new key that matches the original in shape and size.
mobile car key cutting advanced key types like keys that have transponder chips or remote functions. These keys typically need an expert to visit and program the key before they are able to work with your vehicle. Many people will visit an expert locksmith or dealership when they need to replace their keys.
There aren't many hardware stores that can duplicate these key types of advanced technology. If you own a brand new vehicle, you'll need to go to the dealership to obtain a duplicate key.
If you'd like to stay clear of this expense, consider buying a key blank package from an online retailer. These packages can be purchased at a fraction of price that you would pay at a store, and they include key blanks of various sizes and shapes. Key blanks are also available in bulk, allowing you to create multiple copies at a lower cost per key.
Ron Sparer lost the key to his car years ago. He was aware that he would require a replacement but didn't want $300 to be spent at the dealer. He looked for a solution, and found that certain Ace hardware stores offer a program that can help him create duplicate keys that work with the car Toyota. The only limitation is that you must know the code of the RF chip that's embedded into the fob. Fortunately the keymaker 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 is identical. Modern car keys include a range of anti-theft features, including encryption which ensures 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 which makes them harder to access. Car key cutting is a specialized service that requires specialized equipment to make a perfect copy of your car's key. A professional locksmith has the equipment necessary to ensure that the replacement key is secure and can be used in all locks. A professional locksmith will offer the guarantee of their services. This is a great benefit if you're concerned about the quality.
The process of cutting a car key typically begins with a fully functional, working original key that is 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 device. A blank key is placed on the opposite side of the machine, and both are simultaneously moved through the cutting mechanism, which produces a new key that is identical to the original. There are various kinds of key duplicating machines including a single key cutter as well as a dual key cutter that can work with mortice and cylinder keys. In recent years, key duplication machines have advanced and are equipped with software that allows them to cut traditional metal keys as well as smart transponder ones. The key duplication tools are more precise than the traditional tools. This makes it harder for thieves who steal your car keys to do it without knowing about it.
Some auto shops offer key Cloning, which is an easier procedure than cutting keys. To accomplish this, an associate will use your existing key and select a matching blank key that is compatible with your year, model, and model. Then, the blank will be traced by a machine to accurately duplicate the contours of the original key. 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, if you lost your car keys it was simple enough to go to an area hardware store or locksmith shop and get a new one. But, modern cars have remote transmitters and transponder chips which make it difficult to duplicate a key. In most instances, the only way to replace the keys is to go to the dealership. This can be costly.
The complexity and the type of key will also determine the cost. The basic house keys are affordable to duplicate, however car keys with key fobs and other features cost more because they are more complicated to duplicate and require a special machine. The cost of a duplicate key is contingent on the number of copies you require.
The most common types of car keys are standard keys, which are affordable to copy and don't require any programming. However, modern cars use transponder keys, which are more expensive to copy since they must be programmed to work with your car. Some key fobs also have transponder chips built into them that require programming.
Depending on the type of key, the type of duplication machine employed, and the price of the key blank, the overall cost could range from $25 to $300. To get the best prices on key duplication, look for a professional who is part of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
In addition to the expense of the key blank and the duplication machine, you'll also need to pay for labor when you need a new key. It could cost as low as $10 depending on the type of keys and the type of key, but it could be more if you need to purchase a replacement fob or to have a professional come to your house or workplace. To save money, look for a key cutter or a locksmith that offers a free estimate. This way, you'll know exactly what you can expect before you sign a contract. This is especially important if you're replacing keys for your car that require an exact machine to duplicate it.
Cost of Programming
Key cutting for car keys is only a small part of the total cost of replacing lost keys for cars. A car locksmith needs to program the new key to match your current one, which is an extremely time-consuming process. The cost of programming the new key is determined by the year, model and make of your vehicle. It can also be affected by the type of key you require. The most advanced keys require a transponder chip which must be programmed to start your car. This helps prevent car theft and also provides additional security.
The most commonly used car key type is a flat, simple blade. These types of keys can be cut by locksmiths or a hardware store or even at some big box stores. A flat blade key usually costs $5-$10 to duplicate. Keys with high security are more difficult to duplicate as they have a complicated design. The additional security feature can make them more expensive and requires a sophisticated cutting machine.
Most modern cars come equipped with transponder chips on their keys that need to be connected to the vehicle in order for them to work. It is essential to have spare keys for your car. If you lose your car keys professional assistance is required to replace the chip inside the key to allow it to start your car. The procedure is simple however it takes a bit of time.
Many big box stores provide duplication services for car keys, however they are not equipped to program the newer transponder key. Some independent auto repair shops or dealerships also lack the necessary equipment. This is why it's essential to locate a locksmith in your region who can create new keys for your car.
The price of a car key can be anywhere from $50 to 400 dollars. The price of the car key fob is determined by the type and whether or not it has an integrated remote. A separate fob, not integrated with the key, will cost $75 to program. Programming a key-and-fob combination can be expensive, costing up to $300. Switchblade keys, which have the key that folds into the fob to resemble the shape of a switchblade as well, are more expensive to program.