The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Car key cutting is a service that many car owners depend on. However, it's important to know the price of this service before making a decision.
Many hardware stores and box stores have key-cutting machines that you can easily make a copy of your keys. These will typically cost only a few dollars.
Cost of Key Blanks
For basic key types like car keys, house keys and key fobs the cost of cutting them is usually a couple of dollars. The majority of hardware stores have key duplication machines that can cut these keys in a single step. This process uses the original as a template, and the blank key is positioned using a special cutter that cuts both keys simultaneously. This makes it easy to create an entirely new key that is identical to the original in terms of shape and size.
But, these devices aren't able copy the more advanced keys that use transponder chips or remote functions. These keys require a professional to program them on the spot before they will work with your vehicle. This is why many people prefer to go to a locksmith or dealership professional when they have lost their keys or require replacements.
Not all hardware stores can copy these advanced key types. This means that if you are driving a newer model vehicle, you may need to visit the dealership in order to have a duplicate key made.
If you'd like to avoid this expense, consider buying key blanks from an online retailer. They are only a fraction of what you would pay in a store and include blanks of all shapes and sizes. Bulk key blanks let you to make more copies of the same key at a lower price.
A couple of years ago, Ron Sparer lost his car key. He knew he'd need a replacement, but didn't want $300 to be spent at the dealer. He looked for a solution and discovered that a few Ace Hardware stores had a software to assist him in creating an identical key that worked with the car Toyota. The only limitation is that he has to be aware of the code of the RF chip embedded into the fob. Fortunately it was possible to find the code and follow directions on YouTube to make his new key work.
Cost of Equipment
The process of cutting keys for cars involves using tools to create an ignition key that is identical. Modern car keys have numerous anti-theft options such as encryption that ensures only the correct ignition key can be used to start your vehicle. This technology is intended to deter thieves from trying to duplicate or tamper your keys. Car key cutting is a highly specialized 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 to operate your vehicle. They also offer an assurance on their services, which is an important benefit if you're worried about the quality of their work.
The process of cutting car keys begins with a fully functional working key being placed in the lock to be copied. A key duplication machine is used to copy the cut on the end of the original key, which serves as a template for the new key. A blank key is positioned on the opposite side of the machine, and both are simultaneously moved through the cutting mechanism, which produces a new key that matches the original perfectly. There are various types of key duplicating equipment, including a single-key cutter as well as a dual-key cutter that can handle both mortice and key cylinders. In recent years, key duplication machines have advanced and have been equipped with software that enables them to cut the cuts on traditional keys as well as smart transponder keys. The key duplication tools are more precise than traditional tools. This makes it harder for thieves who steal your car keys to do it without your knowledge.
Some auto stores offer key copying which is a simpler process than key cutting. A representative will choose a blank key compatible with your model, year, and make. Then, the key blank will be traced by a machine that can precisely duplicate the contours of the original key. However, mobile key cutting is not recommended for vehicles that have integrated transponder chips, as the copied key may not be able to start the vehicle.
Cost of Labor
In the past, if you lost your car keys it was simple to go to a local hardware store or locksmith to purchase a new key. Nowadays, cars are equipped with remote transmitters and transponder chips which make it difficult to duplicate a key. Typically, the only way to replace these keys is to visit the dealer, which can be costly.
Another factor that affects the cost of car key replacement is the type and complexity of the key. mobile key cutting are inexpensive to duplicate, however keys for cars that have key fobs and other features are more expensive because they are more difficult to duplicate and require a machine that is specially designed. The price of a duplicate key depends on the quantity of copies you'll need.
Standard keys are the most popular type of car key. They are easy to duplicate and don't need any programming. Transponder keys are found in modern vehicles and cost more to duplicate because they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Certain key fobs also come with transponder chips into them that require programming.
Depending on the kind of key, the type of duplication machine employed, and the price of the key blank, the total cost could range from $25 to $300. If you are looking to get the best price on key duplications, find an expert who is an associate member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
In addition to the expense of the key blank as well as the duplication machine, you'll also need to pay for labor when you require an entirely new key. This could cost as little as $10 depending on the type of key however, it could be higher if you're required to purchase a new fob or have a professional come to your home or office. To save money, you can try to find a key cutter or a locksmith who offers a free estimate. You'll know what you can expect and you can decide if you want to take the service or not before you do. This is especially important if you're replacing keys for your car that require a special machine to duplicate it.
Cost of Programming
Key cutting for car keys is only an aspect of the overall cost for replacing lost car keys. A locksmith for cars has to program the new key so that it is compatible with your current one. This is long. The price for programming a key is affected by the year, make and model of the vehicle. The type of key that you require will also affect the price. Transponder chips are needed for more advanced keys that can start your car. This helps to prevent theft of your car and adds additional security.
The most common car key type is a flat, simple blade. Keys of this kind can be cut by locksmiths or a hardware store or even at large box stores. The process of replicating a flat blade costs between $5 to $10. Keys with higher security are more difficult to duplicate since they are made of a more intricate design. The additional security feature is why they are more expensive and requires a more sophisticated cutting machine.
Modern cars are usually equipped with transponder chips inside their keys. These chips must be paired with the vehicle in order for them to function. It is essential to have spare keys for cars. A professional will need to replace the chip on your key if you lose it. The process is straightforward, but takes some time.
While some big box stores provide car key duplication services however, they aren't always equipped with the ability to program modern transponder keys. In the same way, many independent auto repair shops and dealerships don't have the necessary equipment to accomplish this. This is why it is crucial to find a locksmith in your region who can program new keys for your car.
The price of car key fobs can vary from $50 to $400. The price is determined by the type of key and whether it includes a remote fob into it or not. A separate fob that isn't included in the key is typically about $75 to program. A key-and-fob combination will be more expensive and can cost as much as $300 to program. Switchblade keys, with a keys that fold into the fob which resembles an switchblade knife, will be more expensive to program as well.