The Cost of Car Key Cutting
Many car owners depend on the cutting keys for their cars. However, it's essential to be aware of the costs associated with this service before making a decision.
Hardware stores and box stores often have key-cutting kiosks which allow you to make copies of your keys. These usually cost you a few dollars.
Cost of Key Blanks
For the most basic types of keys like house keys, car keys, and key fobs, the cost of cutting them usually only a few dollars. This is because the majority of hardware stores have a key duplication machine that can cut these kinds of keys with a single passage through the machine. The process utilizes 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 create an entirely new key that is identical to the original in shape and size.
These basic machines aren't able to duplicate key styles that are more sophisticated, such as keys that utilize transponder chips or remote functions. These keys usually require a professional to come onsite and program the key before they are able to work with your vehicle. This is why a lot of people prefer to visit a locksmith or dealer professional when they lose their keys or need replacements.
There aren't many hardware stores that can duplicate these key types of advanced technology. This means that if you are driving a newer model vehicle you might need to visit your dealer in order to have a duplicate key made.
Consider purchasing a package of keys with blanks from an online retailer to cut down on the expense. These packages can be purchased for a fraction of the price that you would pay at a store, and contain key blanks in a variety of shapes and sizes. Key blanks are also available in bulk, which enables you to make several copies for a lesser cost per key.
Ron Sparer lost the key to his car a few years ago. He knew he would need an alternative, but he didn't want $300 to be spent at the dealer. He searched for a solution, and found that certain Ace hardware stores offer an application that can assist him in creating duplicate keys that work with his Toyota. The only drawback is that you must be aware of the code of the RF chip that's molded into his fob. Thanks to YouTube, to find the code for his new key and follow the directions.
Cost of Equipment
Car key cutting is a procedure that uses tools to make an identical replacement for your vehicle's ignition keys. Modern car keys come with a number of anti-theft features like encryption, which guarantees only the right coded ignition key can start your car. This technology is intended to stop thieves from trying to duplicate or modify your keys. It is a job that is highly specialized that requires specialized equipment in order to make a perfect replica of your car keys. A professional locksmith will have the right equipment to ensure that your new key is functional in all locks and is safe to operate your vehicle. They also provide the guarantee of their services which is a major advantage if you are worried about the quality of their work.
The cutting process of car keys starts with a fully functional working key being inserted into the lock to be copied. The key that was cut is then the template for the new key is copied by a key duplication machine. The blank key is placed on the opposite side of the machine and both are simultaneously pushed through the cutting mechanism. This results in keys that are identical to the original. There are various kinds of key duplicating machines such as a single key cutter and a dual key cutter that is able to handle mortice and cylinder keys. In recent years, key duplication machines are becoming more sophisticated and have been equipped with software that allows them to cut the cuts on traditional keys as well as smart transponder keys. Key duplication machines are more precise than traditional tools. This makes it much more difficult for thieves who take your car keys to do so without knowing about it.
Some auto shops offer key cloning which is a simpler process than cutting keys. An associate will select the right key blank that matches your model, year, and make. Then, the blank will be traced by a machine to accurately duplicate the contours of the original key. This method is not recommended if the vehicle is equipped with a transponder chip in it, as it might not allow you to start your car with the copied key.
Cost of Labor
In the past, you could easily get a replacement key at the local hardware store or locksmith in case you lost yours. Modern cars have remote transmitters and transponder chip that make it harder to copy a car key. In most instances, the only option to replace these keys is to visit a dealership. This can be costly.
Another factor that affects the cost of replacing car keys is the type and complexity of the key. Keys for houses are cheap to duplicate, but car keys with key fobs and other features cost more because they are more complicated to duplicate and require a machine that is specially designed. The price of a key also depends on the number you'd like to have copied.
The most common types of car keys are normal keys, which are affordable to copy and do not require any programming. Transponder keys are used in modern vehicles and cost more to duplicate because they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Furthermore, some key fobs have built-in transponder chips that require programming also.
car key cutting and programming of key duplication could vary from $25 to $300 based on the type of keys, the duplication machines employed and the cost of the blank key. If you're looking to get the most value on key duplications, find a professional who is an associate member of Associated Locksmiths of America.
In addition to the costs of the key blank and the duplication machine, you'll have to pay for labor when you need a new key. This can be 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 bring a professional to your workplace or home. You can save money by finding a locksmith or key cutter who will provide you with an estimate free of charge. You'll be aware of what you can expect and can decide whether to accept the service prior to deciding. This is crucial in the event that you need to replace the key, which requires a machine to duplicate.
Cost of Programming
The cost of replacing keys lost is largely determined by the cost of cutting new keys for cars. A car locksmith needs to program the new key to match the existing one, which is lengthy. The cost of programming the new key is determined by the year, model and make of your vehicle. The type of key that you require can also impact the cost. automotive key cutting advanced keys require a transponder chip which must be programmed in order to start your vehicle. This helps prevent car theft and adds additional security.
The most common car key is a simple, flat blade. These keys can be made by a locksmith, hardware store, or even big box stores. A flat blade key usually costs $5-$10 to duplicate. High security keys, on the other hand, have a more complex design and are more difficult to duplicate. The extra security feature is why they are more expensive and requires a specialized cutting machine.
Most modern cars come equipped with transponder chips inside their keys. These chips must be paired with the vehicle in order for them to work. It is crucial to have spare car keys. A professional will have to replace the chip in your key if you lose it. The process is simple however, it takes some time.
Many big box stores offer duplicate services for car keys, however they are not equipped to program the latest transponder keys. Some independent auto repair shops or dealerships also lack the necessary equipment. This is why it's important to locate an area locksmith who can create new keys for your car.
The price of a car fob can be anywhere between $50 and $400. The cost varies based on the type of key used and whether it has a remote fob built into it or not. A separate fob that's not integrated into the key will usually cost about $75 to program. Key-and-fob combinations are more expensive and may cost as much as $300 to program. Switchblade keys, with a a key that folds into the fob which resembles the shape of a switchblade knife, are more expensive to program as well.