Duplicate lost car key

[d_Random]

Hi-

What machines/tools are needed to duplicate a lost car key?
Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks for your time!
Donny

[MBI]

Well, it depends on what kind of car key we're talking about. There's a few different kinds of tools, ranging from hand files and clippers, to key duplicators and code cutters of several different kinds. Then there's transponders...

But the short answer to your question is: a locksmith that does auto work.

[d_Random]

Thank you MBI.
I was looking on how to learn to do this myself, preferably using a machine that would be able to cut the car key and another machine to program it (if that is how it works). Thanks for your time!

[MBI]

Well, the easiest way to do it is to just get a simple key duplicator, chuck an existing key for the car in one side, a blank in the other side, and copy the existing key. Certain high security keys require more elaborate and expensive machines.

Getting into transponders is a fairly large financial investment in equipment.

As for making keys for a car if you don't have an original key to start with, that gets into areas that would be covered in our advanced forum. Due to the potential of abuse of that kind of knowledge it's not something we go into in the regular forums.

Here is the information on accessing the advanced forums.
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2474

[d_Random]

Thanks for following up MBI!

Can you suggest a high security key cutter machine that would be a good option for a mobile locksmith (i.e. in a van)?

[Squelchtone]

Thanks for following up MBI!

Can you suggest a high security key cutter machine that would be a good option for a mobile locksmith (i.e. in a van)?

I gotta chime in... your original post makes it sound like you lost a car key for your own car and need to make a duplicate copy on the cheap. Can you please make future post titles more accurate?

If the key is lost and you do not have it in front of you, the best bet is to decode the door and ignition locks using wafer readers or to go to the dealership and have them look up the key cuts by the VIN number, and then pay them for a new key and programming.

Are you starting a mobile business or did you lose a key to your own car?

Thanks
Squelchtone

[2octops]

Sounds to me like they are trying to be a locksmith since they want to originate keys to an unknown vehicle and looking for advise on what high security machine they should purchase to mount in a van.

As far as a machine, I vote for the Triax E Code.

[GordonAlexander]

Year/Make/Model and I can tell you exactly what you need.

As far as the best duplicator, the Rytan RY200. The best code cutter is the HPC Blitz. SDD/TKO is the best programmer. These are my opinions, but I think most Mid Atlantic Locksmiths would agree. The RY200 has 4 jaws, and can cut older Medeco keys. The HPC 1200 Blitz has been the standard for code cutting for many years, but it can't cut Medeco keys. The SDD/TKO can program the most keys and cars.