The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Many car owners rely on the service of cutting keys for their vehicles. However, it's important to know the price of this service before making an investment.
Many hardware stores and box stores have key-cutting machines that you can easily cut a copy of your keys. These kiosks typically cost a few dollars.
Cost of Key Blanks
The cost of cutting basic key types such as house keys, car key fobs, and key fobs is usually only a few dollars. This is because the majority of hardware stores have a key duplication device that can cut these types of keys with a single pass through the machine. This process uses the original key as template, and then the blank key is cut using a special cutter that cuts both keys at once. This makes it simple to create a new key that matches the original in shape and size.
However, these simple 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-site before they can be used with your car. A lot of people visit a professional locksmith or dealership when they need to replace their keys.
There aren't many hardware stores that can copy these advanced key types. If you have a newer vehicle, you'll need to visit the dealership to purchase an identical key.
Consider purchasing a package of blank keys from an online retailer to save the cost. These packages can be purchased at a fraction of cost you'd pay at the store, and they include key blanks of various dimensions and shapes. Key blanks in bulk allow you to make multiple copies of the same key at less cost.
Ron Sparer lost the key to his car years ago. He was certain the need for a replacement but he didn't want to pay $300 to the dealer. He looked for a solution, and discovered that a few Ace Hardware stores had a program to help him create an identical key that would work with the car Toyota. The only drawback is that he must know the code for the RF chip that is molded into the end of his fob. Thanks to YouTube to locate the code for his new key and follow the directions.
Cost of Equipment
Car key cutting is a method that involves using tools to make an identical replacement for your vehicle's ignition keys. Modern car keys have various anti-theft features, including encryption which ensures only the key that is coded correctly can be used to start your car. This technology is intended to discourage thieves from attempting to duplicate or tamper your keys. Car key cutting is a highly specialized service that requires special equipment to make a perfect copy of your car's key. A professional locksmith will have the proper equipment to ensure that your new key is functional in all locks and is safe for use in your vehicle. A professional locksmith will provide a guarantee on their services. This is a great advantage if you're worried about the quality of the service.
The process of car key cutting usually begins with a fully functioning, working key that is inserted into the lock to be copied. The original key is cut and the template for the new key is copied by a key duplication machine. The blank key is placed on the other side of the machine, and both are simultaneously pushed through the cutting mechanism. This results in a key that matches exactly the original. There are various types of key duplicating equipment, including a single-key cutter as well as a dual-key cutter that is able to handle both mortice and key cylinders. In recent times, key-duplication tools have become more sophisticated and are fitted with software to enable them to cut both traditional keys made of metal as well as smart transponder keys. Key duplication machines are more precise than the traditional tools. This makes it harder for thieves who steal your car keys to do so without knowing about it.
Some auto shops also offer key cloning which is a much simpler procedure than cutting keys. To complete this task associates will take your key and select a matching blank key that is compatible with your year, model, and model. 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 that have integrated transponder chips because the copied key might not be capable of starting the vehicle.
Cost of Labor
In the past when you lost your car key it was simple enough to just go to the local hardware store or locksmith and get a new one. However, keys cut use remote transmitters and transponder chips which make it difficult to copy keys. In most instances, the only way to replace the keys is to go to the dealership. This can be costly.
Another aspect that affects the cost of car key replacement is the kind and complexity of the key. keys cut of copying the basic house keys isn't expensive, but keys for cars with key fobs or other features are more expensive due to the fact that they require a special machine and are more difficult to duplicate. The price of a key is also dependent on the quantity you'd like to copy.
Standard keys are the most common kind of car key. They are simple to duplicate and don't need any programming. However, modern cars have transponder keys, which are much more expensive to copy because they need to be programmed to work with your car. Additionally, some keys include transponder chips in them that need to be programmed as well.
Depending on the type of key, the duplication machine used, and the cost of the key blank, the overall cost can vary between $30 and $300. If you want to get the best price on key duplications you should find a professional who is an associate member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
In addition to the cost of the key blank as well as the duplication machine, you'll be required to pay for labor when you require the replacement of a key. Depending on the kind of key, this may be as little as $10, but it could be more if you're required to pay for a brand new fob or a professional to come to your home or worksite. To save money, try to locate the key cutter or locksmith that offers a free estimate. This will let you know what to expect prior to you sign up for the services. This is crucial if you are replacing the key, which requires an equipment to duplicate.
Cost of Programming
Car key cutting is a small part of the overall cost for replacing lost car keys. A car locksmith needs to program the new key to match your current one, which could be a time-consuming process. The cost of programming a key is affected by the year, make and model of your vehicle. The type of key you need can also affect the price. Transponder chips are required for the more advanced keys that can start your car. This prevents car theft and provides additional security.
The most commonly used car key type is a flat, simple blade. These types of keys can be cut by an locksmith or a hardware store or even at large box stores. A flat blade key usually costs $5-$10 to duplicate. Keys with high security are more difficult to duplicate since they are made of a more intricate design. The extra security feature is why they are more expensive and requires a more sophisticated cutting machine.
Transponder chips can be found on the keys of a majority of modern automobiles. They must be paired to the vehicle to function. This is why it's essential to have a spare set of car keys. A professional will have to replace the chip on your key if you lose it. The procedure is easy however, it takes some time.
Although the majority of big box stores offer car key duplication services but they're not usually equipped with the ability to program newer transponder keys. Some independent auto repair shops or dealerships do not have the equipment needed. Therefore, it's important to locate a local locksmith who can program new car keys.
The price of a car fob can be anywhere from $50 to 400 dollars. The price is determined by the type of key used and whether it has a remote fob built into it or not. A separate fob, that isn't included with the key will cost $75 to program. Programming a key-and-fob combination can be costly, and can cost up to $300. Switchblade keys that have the key that folds into the fob to resemble the shape of a switchblade and is more expensive to program.
