![]() Note that if you plan on cutting high security keys, many locksmiths are just buying a high security key cutting machine that *also* cuts edge-cut keys, and you can avoid this expense altogether. It is not as expensive as a $5000 automated machine, but if you don't have money burning a hole in your pocket, the Blitz is the appropriate purchase. HPC The Original Blitz™ (1200CMB): ($1748.20) This manual key cutting machine is the industry standard for cutting standard edge-cut keys by code. But for 98% of automotive locksmiths, this machine is perfect. NOTE: If you are operating in a location with a lot of traffic and plan on doing A LOT of key duplicating all day long, such as in a busy locksmith shop, you should be looking at a different class of duplicator, usually over $1500. ![]() If you plan to do *automotive* locksmithing, you should get a machine like this. ![]() Most duplicators don't have enough space between the 2 jaws to hold a key with a large head like remote head keys. HPC Power Speedex Semi-Automatic Key Duplicator (9180MC): ($553.36) This is the least expensive quality duplicator we could find that supports duplication of larger remote head keys such as those made for Chryslers. Complete Set of 14 GM Double-Sided VATS Keys: ($36.75) Ditto.These single-sided keys are for older vehicles, but are more popular than the double-sided version. Complete Set of 15 GM Single-Sided VATS Keys: ($39.50) Technically, these are not transponder keys, but they are important chip keys to have for GM vehicles from the 90s.Starter Pack of 26 High Security Transponder Keys: ($199) If you're cutting high security keys you'll need this bundle.This bundle is updated frequently as car manufacturers release new keys every year. Starter Pack of 85 Transponder Keys: ($590) These are the transponder keys you need to keep in stock to be prepared for what comes.If you plan on being able to program these transponder (sometimes called "chip") keys, you'll need one or more of these starter packs. Now you can't just "hotwire" a car to bypass the mechanical security and drive away with it like they do in the movies. TRANSPONDER KEYS: Starting in the late 90's, most car manufacturers began adding transponder systems into their vehicles as an extra level of security.Is it worth an extra five hundred bucks to be prepared for that last 10%? That depends on your plans and your budget. This is appropriate for someone that wants to be as prepared as you can be. LARGE Starter Pack of 2315 Automotive Mechanical Keys: ($999) We estimate that this bundle will prepare you for about 95% of the cars you'll run into out there. For newer vehicles, locksmiths would typically cut one of these cheaper mechanical or "test" keys to test in the lock before cutting a more expensive transponder or remote head key. For older vehicles, these keys are all you need. MECHANICAL KEYS: These are all-metal keys with no chip in them.That's your clue to knowing which cars you're most likely to run into in the field. Notice that some packs include very little of some keys and many more of the others. ![]() If you click on the links below, you'll see the complete list of keys within each Starter Pack. We've tried to make it easy for you by putting together some "Starter Packs" which are our recommendations for what you should be keeping in stock. If you're just getting into the business, it can be a very expensive and time consuming task to try and figure out which keys you should or should not stock. Have we left anything out? Please contact us and let us know so we can add more info for everyone to see. Whether you purchase your products from American Key Supply or not, this guide should help you figure out what you need and how to get it. So you've decided to look into making car keys for your customers but not sure exactly where to start? This introduction is meant to give you some guidance and tips.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |