The Cost of Car Key Cutting

Car key cutting is a service that many car owners rely on. It’s important to know the cost prior to you make a decision.

Many hardware stores and box shops have key-cutting machines that you can easily cut a copy of your keys. These typically cost a few bucks.

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 a couple of dollars. Most hardware stores have key duplication equipment that can cut keys in one pass. This method uses the original key as template, and then the blank key is positioned using a special cutter which cuts both keys simultaneously. This makes it easy to design an entirely new key that is identical to the original in terms of shape and size.

These simple machines can’t copy advanced key types like keys that have remote functions or transponder chips. These keys usually require an expert to visit and program the key before they can use your vehicle. Many people will visit a professional locksmith or a dealership when they need to replace their keys.

While most hardware stores have the ability to duplicate these more sophisticated keys but not all do. This means that if you own a car that is newer you might need to visit your dealer to get a duplicate key made.

If you want to avoid this expense, consider buying a key blank package from an online retailer. These packages are only a fraction of what you would pay in a physical store and include blanks of all shapes and sizes. Key blanks are also available in bulk, which allows you to create multiple copies for less per key.

Ron Sparer lost the key to his cheap car key cutting years ago. He knew he’d need a replacement but did not want to pay $300 to be spent at the dealer. He searched for a solution, and discovered that a few Ace Hardware stores had a program to assist him in creating an identical key that worked with the car Toyota. The only catch is that he must know the code for the RF chip molded into the back of his fob. Fortunately the keymaker was able to find the code and follow instructions on YouTube to make his new key work.

Cost of Equipment

The cutting of keys for cars requires tools to create an ignition key that’s identical to the original. Modern car keys have numerous anti-theft options such as encryption that ensures only the correct coded ignition key can be used to start your car. This technology is intended to deter thieves from trying to duplicate or tamper your keys. It is a specialized job that requires specialized equipment in order to make the perfect replica of your car keys. A professional locksmith will have the equipment required to ensure that the replacement key is secure and can be used in all locks. They also provide the guarantee of their services which is a major advantage if you are worried about the quality of their work.

The process of cutting keys for cars typically begins with a fully functioning, working key that is put into locks to be copied. A key duplication machine is utilized to duplicate the cut at the end of the original key, which acts as a template for the new key. A blank key is placed on the opposite side of the machine and both are simultaneously moved through the cutting mechanism, resulting in the new key that is exactly like the original. There are a variety of key duplicating machines including a single-key cutter and a dual-key cutter that is able to handle both mortice and key cylinders. In recent times, key-duplication tools are more advanced and come with software to enable them to cut traditional keys made of metal as well as smart transponder ones. Key duplication systems are more precise than traditional tools, which makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate your car keys without knowledge.

Some auto key cutting machine shops offer key Cloning which is a simpler process than key cutting. To perform this task associates will take your existing key and select a matching blank key that is compatible with your year, make, and model. Then, the blank will be traced by a machine to accurately duplicate the contours of the original key. However this method isn’t advised for vehicles equipped with transponder chips since the copied key might not be capable of starting the vehicle.

Cost of Labor

In the past the past, if you lost your car keys it was simple to just go to an area hardware store or locksmith and purchase a new key. Nowadays, cars are equipped with remote transmitters and transponder chips which make it harder to copy keys. In most instances, the only way to replace the keys is to go to the dealership. This can be costly.

The complexity and type of key will also determine the cost. Copying basic keys for your home is inexpensive, but keys for cars with key fobs or other features are more expensive as they require a separate machine and take longer to duplicate. The cost of a duplicate key is contingent on the quantity of copies you require.

Standard keys are the most commonly used type of car key. They are easy to duplicate and don’t need any programming. Transponder keys are used in modern cars and they cost more to duplicate since they require programming for your car. Furthermore, some key fobs have built-in transponder chips that must be programmed also.

Depending on the kind of key, the duplication equipment used, and the cost of the key blank, the total cost can range between $30 and $300. To get the best price on key duplication, search for a professional that is part of the Associated Locksmiths of America.

You’ll have to pay for labor in addition to the cost of key blanks and duplication machines when you need an additional key cutting services. Depending on the kind of key, this can be as little as $10, however it may be higher if you have to purchase a new fob or a professional locksmith to come to your home or worksite. You can save money by choosing a locksmith or cutter who will provide you with a free estimate. This will let you know what to expect before you sign a contract. This is important in the event that you need to replace a key that requires a machine to duplicate.

Cost of Programming

Car key cutting is an aspect of the overall cost for replacing lost keys for cars. A locksmith for cars has to program the new key so that it is compatible with your current one. This could be an extensive process. The cost of programming a key is affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle. The type of key you need can also affect the cost. The more sophisticated types of keys require a transponder chip which must be programmed to 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 an locksmith or a hardware store or even at some big box stores. Making a duplicate of a flat blade key costs between $5 and $10. Keys with higher security are more difficult to duplicate since they are made of a more intricate design. They are more expensive due to the extra security and require a more advanced machine to cut them.

The majority of modern cars are equipped with transponder chips inside their keys. These chips must be connected to the vehicle to work. This is why it is important to have a spare set of keys for your car. If you lose your car key an expert will have to replace the chip inside the key to allow it to be able to start your vehicle. The process is easy but it can take a while.

Many big box stores offer duplicate services for car keys, but they’re not equipped to program the newer transponder keys. In the same way, many independent auto repair shops and dealerships don’t have the tools needed to do this either. It is therefore important to find a local locksmith who can program new car keys.

The price of a car fob could range between $50-$400. The price is determined by the type of key and whether it has a remote fob built into it or not. A separate fob that isn’t integrated into the key will typically cost around $75 to program. Programming a key-and fob combination can be costly, and can cost up to $300. Switchblade keys, which have keys that fold into the fob that resembles an switchblade knife, are more expensive to program as well.