The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Many car owners depend on the service of cutting keys for their vehicles. It's important to know the cost prior to you make a choice.
Many hardware stores and box shops have key-cutting machines that you can easily cut copies of your keys. These typically cost a few bucks.
Cost of Key Blanks
The cost of cutting standard keys like house keys, car key fobs and key fobs usually a few dollars. The majority of hardware stores have key duplication equipment which can cut these keys in a single pass. This process uses the original key as a model and the blank key to align with a special cutter that cuts them both at the same time. This allows you to create a new key that matches the original in terms of shape and size.
These simple machines can't copy advanced key types like those that use remote functions or transponder chips. They typically require an expert to visit and program the key before they are able to work with your vehicle. A lot of people visit a professional locksmith or dealership for replacement of their keys.
Although most hardware stores are able to duplicate these more sophisticated key types, not all do. This means that if you are driving a newer model vehicle you might have to visit your dealer to get a duplicate key made.
If you want to avoid this expense, consider purchasing key blanks from an online retailer. These packages can be purchased at a fraction of price that you would pay at the retailer, and contain key blanks in a variety of shapes and sizes. Bulk key blanks allow you to make multiple copies of the same key for less cost.
A few years ago, Ron Sparer lost his car key. He knew it was time to replace it, however, he didn't want spend $300 at a dealer. He searched for a solution and found that some Ace Hardware stores had a program to assist him in creating a duplicate key which worked with his Toyota. The only catch is he has to be aware of the code of the RF chip that's molded into his fob. He was able, thanks to YouTube to locate the code for his new key and follow the steps.
Cost of Equipment
The cutting of keys for cars requires tools to create an ignition key that is the same. Modern car keys include a range of anti-theft features, including encryption which guarantees that only the key that is coded correctly can start your vehicle. This technology is designed to discourage thieves from attempting to duplicate or tamper with your keys, making them more difficult to steal. It is a job that is highly specialized that requires specialized equipment in order to make a perfect replica of your car key. A professional locksmith will have the appropriate equipment to ensure that the replacement key works properly in all locks and is safe to operate your vehicle. A professional locksmith will offer an assurance on their services. This is a great advantage if you're worried about the quality.
The process of cutting car keys starts with a fully functional working key being put into the lock to be copied. A key duplication machine is then utilized to duplicate the cut on the top of the original key, which serves as a model for the new key. A blank key is then placed on the opposite side of the machine and both are pushed through the cutting mechanism, resulting in the new key that matches the original perfectly. There are many kinds of key duplicating machines, including a single-key cutter and a dual-key cutter that can handle both mortice and cylinder keys. In recent years, key duplication tools have advanced and come with software that enables them to cut the cuts in traditional keys as well as smart transponder keys. The key duplication tools are more precise than the traditional tools. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car keys to do it without knowing about it.
Some auto stores offer key cloning which is a simpler process than key cutting. To complete this task the associate will first take your existing key and choose a blank key that is compatible with your year, make and model. The key blank is traced by machine to accurately replicate the contours of the original. This method is not recommended if the vehicle has a transponder chip integrated with it, as it could not allow you to start your car using the copied key.
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. Nowadays, cars are equipped with remote transmitters and transponder chips that make it more difficult to duplicate a key. In the majority of instances, the only option to replace these keys is to visit a dealership. This can be costly.
Another factor that determines the cost of replacing a car key is the nature and complexity of the key. Keys for houses are cheap to duplicate, but car keys with key fobs and other features are more expensive because they are more difficult to duplicate and require a special machine. The cost of a key will also depend on how many you want to duplicate.
Standard keys are the most commonly used type of car keys. experienced are simple to duplicate and don't require any programming. However, modern cars use transponder keys, which are more expensive to copy because they require programming to work with your car. Additionally, some key fobs come with transponder chips built-in, which require programming as well.
Depending on the type of key, the type of duplication machine employed, and the price of the key blank, the overall cost can vary between $25 to $300. If you are looking to get the most value on key duplications, find a professional who is a member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
In addition to the costs of the key blank and the duplication machine, you'll be required to pay for labor when you require the replacement of a key. This could cost as low as $10 depending on the type of keys, but may be higher if you're required to pay for a replacement fob or to bring a professional to your workplace or home. You can save money by choosing a locksmith or cutter that will give you a free estimate. You'll be aware of what you can expect and you can decide if you want to accept the offer before you do. This is especially important when you're replacing the car key, which requires a special machine to duplicate it.
Cost of Programming
The cost of replacing keys lost is largely determined by the cost of cutting new keys for cars. A locksmith for cars must program the new key to match the existing one, which is lengthy. The cost of programming a new key is influenced by the year, model and make of your vehicle. It can also be affected by the type of key you require. The more sophisticated types of keys require a transponder chip that must be programmed in order to start your car. This helps to prevent car thefts and adds security.
The most commonly used car key type is one that is simple and flat. These keys can be manufactured by a locksmith, a hardware store or even some big box stores. Duplicating a flat blade key costs between $5 to $10. High security keys are more difficult to duplicate since they are made of a more intricate design. They are more expensive due to the additional security, and require a more sophisticated machine to cut them.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most modern cars. These need to be linked to the vehicle for them to function. It is important to have spare keys for your car. If you lose your car keys an expert will have to replace the chip in the key to allow it to be able to start your vehicle. The process is straightforward, but takes some time.
Although the majority of big box stores offer duplicate car keys however, they aren't always equipped with the ability to program newer transponder keys. Some independent auto repair shops or dealerships also lack the necessary equipment. This is why it is important to find an area locksmith who can make new keys for your car.
The price of a car fob could range between $50-$400. The price is determined by the type of key and whether it comes with a remote fob integrated into it or not. A separate fob, not connected to the key, will cost $75 to program. A key-and-fob combo will be more expensive and could cost as much as $300 to program. Switchblade keys, with a a key that folds into the fob that resembles an switchblade knife, will be more expensive to program as well.