20 Cost Of Car Key Cutting Websites That Are Taking The Internet By Storm The Cost of Car Key Cutting

Many car owners rely on the service of cutting keys for their cars. It is important to know the cost before you decide.

Box stores and hardware stores usually have kiosks for cutting keys where you can make an easy copy of your keys. They usually cost a few dollars.

Cost of Key Blanks

The cost of cutting basic key types like house keys, car key fobs and key fobs usually only a few dollars. This is because most hardware stores have a key duplication device that can cut these kinds of keys in a single pass through the machine. This method uses the original key as an example, and the blank key is positioned using a special cutter that cuts both keys simultaneously. This makes it simple to create the new key that is a match to the original in terms of shape and size.

They aren't able duplicate key styles that are more sophisticated, such as keys that have remote functions or transponder chips. These keys require a professional to program them on site before they can be used with your vehicle. Many people will visit a professional locksmith or dealership in the event that they need to replace their keys.


There aren't many hardware stores that can duplicate these key models. This means that if own a car that is newer, you may need to visit your dealership to get a duplicate key made.

Consider purchasing a set of keys that are blank from an online retailer to cut down on the expense. They are only a fraction of what you'd pay in a store and include blanks of different shapes and sizes. Key blanks in bulk allow you to create more copies of the same key for a lower price.

Ron Sparer lost the key to his car a few years ago. He knew he needed a replacement, however, he didn't want pay $300 to the dealer. He looked for a solution, and found that some Ace Hardware stores had a program that could help him create an identical key that would work with the car Toyota. The only problem is that he needs to know the code for the RF chip that is molded into the back of his fob. Fortunately it was possible to find the code and follow instructions on YouTube to get his new key working.

Cost of Equipment

The cutting of keys for cars involves using tools to create a replacement ignition key that is the same. Modern car keys come with numerous anti-theft options such as encryption that ensures only the correct ignition key can be used to start your vehicle. This technology is designed to deter thieves from attempting to duplicate or alter your keys which makes them harder to steal. It is a job that is highly specialized that requires special equipment in order to make a perfect duplicate of your car key. A professional locksmith will have the proper equipment to ensure that your new key works properly in all locks and is safe for use in your vehicle. A professional locksmith will give the guarantee of their services. This is a huge advantage if you're worried about the quality of the service.

The cutting process of car keys starts with a fully functional working key being placed in the lock to be copied. The original key is cut, and the template for the new one 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 many kinds of key duplicating equipment, such as a single-key cutter, and a dual-key cutter that is able to handle both mortice and cylinder keys. In recent years, key-duplication machines have become more sophisticated and are fitted with software to enable them to cut 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 your knowledge.

Some auto stores offer key copying which is a simpler process than key cutting. An associate will select keys that are compatible with your model year, year, and make. The key blank is then traced by a machine to precisely replicate the contours of the original. However this method isn't recommended for vehicles that have integrated transponder chips, as the copied key may not be able to start the vehicle.

Cost of Labor

In the past the past, if you lost your car key it was simple enough to go to an area hardware store or locksmith and obtain a replacement. Modern cars come with remote transmitters and transponder chip that make it harder to duplicate a key for a car. The most common method to replace these kinds of keys is to visit the dealer, which can be costly.

Another aspect that affects the cost of replacing car keys is the nature and complexity of the key. Keys for houses are cheap to duplicate, however keys for cars that have key fobs and other features cost more because they are more complicated to duplicate and require a special machine. The cost of a duplicate key is contingent on the number of copies you need.

Standard keys are the most common type of car keys. They are simple to duplicate and don't need any programming. Transponder keys are used in modern cars and they cost more to duplicate because they need to be programmed for your vehicle. Certain key fobs also have transponder chips built into them that require programming.

The cost 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. To get the best price on key duplication, look for a professional who is part of the Associated Locksmiths of America.

In addition to the cost of the key blank and the duplication machine, you'll also have to pay for labor when you need a new key. Depending on the type of key, this can be as low as $10, but it could be more if you have to pay for a new fob or for a professional to come to your home or worksite. To save money, try to locate the key cutter or locksmith who provides a no-cost estimate. You'll be aware of what you can expect and decide whether to accept the offer prior to deciding. This is especially important when replacing a key that requires a machine to duplicate.

Cost of Programming

The cost of replacing keys lost is largely based on the cost of cutting new car keys. A locksmith for cars needs to program the new key to match your existing one, which can be an extremely time-consuming process. The cost of programming a new key is affected by the year, model and model of your car. The type of key that you require will also affect the cost. auto key cutting advanced types of keys require a transponder chip which is programmed to start your vehicle. This helps prevent car theft and adds additional security.

The most commonly used car keys are flat, simple blade. These keys can be cut by an locksmith or a hardware shop or even at some big box stores. A flat blade key typically costs $5-$10 to duplicate. High security keys however are more complex in design and are more difficult to reproduce. The additional security feature is why they are more expensive and requires a specialized cutting machine.

Modern cars are usually equipped with transponder chips in their keys. These chips must be paired with the vehicle in order to function. It is crucial to have spare keys for your car. A professional will have to replace the chip on your key if you lose it. The procedure is easy however it can take some time.

Many big box stores provide duplication services for car keys, however they're not equipped to program the latest transponder keys. Additionally, some independent auto repair shops and dealerships do not have the necessary equipment to perform this task either. This is why it's essential to find a locksmith in your region who can make new keys for your car.

The cost of a car fob can be anywhere between $50 and $400. This cost is influenced by the type of key used and whether it comes with a remote fob integrated into it or not. A separate fob that isn't integrated into the key will typically cost around $75 to program. Key-and-fob combinations are more expensive and may cost up to $300 to program. Switchblade keys, which have a key that folds into the fob, resembling a switchblade knife, are more expensive to program as well.