The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Car key cutting is a service many car owners rely on. It's crucial to know the cost before you decide.
Hardware stores and box stores often have key-cutting kiosks which allow you to make an easy copy of your keys. These typically cost a few dollars.
Cost of Key Blanks
For the most basic types of keys like car keys, house keys, and key fobs, the cost of cutting them is typically only a few dollars. This is because the majority of hardware stores have a key duplication machine which can cut these kinds of keys in one passage through the machine. The process utilizes the original as an example, and the blank key is positioned with a specific cutter that cuts both keys at once. This allows you to design the new key that is a match to the original in shape and size.
However, these basic machines aren't able to copy the more advanced keys which use transponder chips, or remote functions. They typically require a professional to come onsite and program the key before they are able to work with your vehicle. A lot of people visit a professional locksmith or a dealership for replacement of their keys.
While most hardware stores have the ability to duplicate these more sophisticated key types but not all do. If you own a newer car, you will need to visit the dealership to obtain a duplicate key.
If you want to avoid the cost, you can purchase key blanks from an online retailer. These packages are available at a fraction of price that you would pay at the retailer, and contain key blanks in a variety of sizes and shapes. Bulk key blanks allow you to make more copies of the same key for the lower cost.
A few years ago, Ron Sparer lost his car key. He knew he'd need a replacement, but did not want to spend $300 spent at the dealer. He searched for a solution and found that some Ace Hardware stores had a program that could assist him in creating a duplicate key which worked with the car Toyota. The only drawback is that he has to be aware of the code of the RF chip that's integrated into the fob. He was able, thanks to YouTube to locate the code for the new key and follow the steps.
Cost of Equipment
The process of cutting car keys involves using tools to make a replacement ignition key that is identical. Modern car keys include various anti-theft features, including encryption which ensures only the key that is coded correctly can start your vehicle. This technology is designed to discourage thieves from attempting to duplicate or tamper your keys. Car key cutting is a highly specialized service that requires specific equipment to produce a perfect copy of your car's key. A professional locksmith will have the right equipment to ensure that the replacement key functions properly in all locks and is safe to use in your vehicle. A professional locksmith will give a guarantee on their services. This is a huge advantage if you're worried about the quality of the service.
The process of cutting keys for cars usually begins with a fully functioning, working key that is put into the lock to be copied. A key duplication machine is used to copy the cut at the end of the key which serves as a template for the new key. A blank key is then positioned on the opposite side of the machine and both are moved simultaneously through the cutting mechanism, resulting in the new key that matches the original perfectly. 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 machines have become more advanced and are equipped with software that allows them to cut cuts in both traditional metal keys and smart transponder keys. Key duplication systems are more precise than conventional tools, which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate your car keys without knowledge.
Some auto shops also offer key cloning which is a much simpler process than cutting keys. A representative will choose the right key blank that matches your model year, make, and year. Then, the blank will be traced by a machine in order to precisely duplicate the contours of the original key. This method is not recommended if your car includes a transponder chip, as it may not allow you to start your car with the key copied.
Cost of Labor
In the past, it was easy to find a replacement key at a local hardware store or locksmith if you lost your key. Modern cars come with remote transmitters and transponder chip which make it difficult to duplicate a car key. In most instances, the only way to replace these keys is to visit a dealership. This can be costly.
The complexity and the type of key also affect the cost. Duplicating basic house keys is not expensive, however, car keys that have key fobs or other features are more expensive due to the fact that they require a specific machine and are more difficult to duplicate. The price of a key is also dependent on the number you'd like to copy.
The most common kinds of car keys are standard keys, which are affordable to copy and do not 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. Additionally, some key fobs come with transponder chips built-in, which need to be programmed also.
Depending on the type of key, the duplication machine employed, and the price of the key blank, the total cost can vary between $25 to $300. To get the best price on key duplication, look for a professional who is part of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
You'll have to pay for labor, as well as the cost of duplication machines and key blanks in the event that you require a replacement key. Depending on the kind of key, this may be as low as $10, however it could be more expensive if you're required to pay for a new fob or for a professional to visit your workplace or home. You can save money by finding a locksmith or key cutter who can provide you with an estimate free of charge. This will let you know what to expect before you agree to the services. This is especially important when you're replacing the car key, which requires special equipment to duplicate it.
Cost of Programming
Car key cutting is just an aspect of the overall cost of replacing lost keys for cars. A locksmith for cars must program the new key in order that it is compatible with your current one. This is long. The price for programming a key is determined by the year, make and model of the vehicle. The type of key you require will also affect the price. The more advanced types of keys require a transponder chip that must be programmed to start your car. This helps to prevent car thefts and also provides additional security.
The most popular type of car key is one that is simple and flat. Keys can be made by a locksmith, hardware store, or even big box stores. The process of replicating a flat blade costs between $5 and $10. High security keys on the other hand are more complex in design and are harder to reproduce. The extra security feature is why they are more expensive and requires a more sophisticated cutting machine.
Transponder chips are present in the keys of modern cars. These need to be paired to the vehicle to function. auto key cutting is essential to have spare keys for your car. If you lose your car key, a professional will need to replace the chip in the key to allow it to be able to start your vehicle. The process is straightforward 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 don't have the right equipment. It is therefore important to find a locksmith in your area who can program new car keys.
The price of a car fob can vary between $50 and $400. The cost varies based on the type of key used and whether it comes with a remote fob integrated into it or not. A separate fob that's not included in the key will typically cost about $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, resembling the shape of a switchblade knife, are more expensive to program, as well.