Key machine question

[MikeTheLocksmith]

GWiens is correct that you can get a cutter for tubular keys with the 1200. As for Automotive, I am pretty sure the 1200 should be able to handle enough keys where I can get involved in automotive. Automotive locksmithing is a ways out for me I think. I have absolutely zero experience with cars; however, I am pretty sure I can manage to get in the dash/door frame. I am just unsure about a few aspects. First off, what the best/cheapest transponder equipment I should get. Second, I am not completely sure how to get the code to the key. From what I have read you can get it thought the VIN number, or the cylinder can have the code marked on it. I have also heard impressioning is a good way. (lol, starting to ramble). Anyway, I think the 1200 will be good to get me going in automotive, also I think it will do me well cuz I can stop turning down those re-keying of file cabinets, etc. I am very excited! Thanks everyone for the input!! Any additional input on automotive would be great!!! hehe I know it is an advanced topic so I will just keep working towards access!!!

Thanks everyone for your input,
Mike

[billdeserthills]

You'll be bringing in the phat cash with them file cabinet rekeys

[cledry]

You'll be bringing in the phat cash with them file cabinet rekeys

Possibly means code keys. I charge $15 a code key for these and in the past I have done quite a few in a day, often 20 or more cabinets at a time. $300 for a few blanks and less than an hour isn't bad money. Nowadays I am lucky to do 10 on a good day and often I don't do any.

[MikeTheLocksmith]

You'll be bringing in the phat cash with them file cabinet rekeys

This mad me laugh. I don't expect to make a ton of cash for this, but I have turned down 3 jobs for these rekeys in the last week. When I am only getting 3-5 jobs a week, the cabinet rekeys would have nearly double my work week .

Anyway, bottom line is that I need a way to code cut. It opens up more business, and I feel more like a locksmith haha. I have been surviving off of depth keys and a duplicator for far too long: especially since I want to get into automotive.

Just wondering, what key cutters do you guys use for automotive? And does anyone know of a good resource to use for autos? HL Flake has some automotive books I have been thinking about getting.

[billdeserthills]

Mike do you mean making a first key or actually rekeying the cabinets?

[MikeTheLocksmith]

Actually both key origination and rekeys. I have been putting off getting a wafer kit because I have zero keys in stock outside the standard schlage/kiwkset. It is hard to do either rekeys or making a first key with the rescources I have! lol. With my cutting machine, I am also ordering blanks, a wafer kit, and some other misc tools to expand what I can take on.

Sorry for the late response, but as I said in my PM, I have been unable to get on in a week or so. Thank you all for the information. So far I think this is the friendlyest community I have seen on the internet in a long, long time.

Thank you,
Mike

[2octops]

If you want to learn how to do automotive, I would suggest buying the Auto Smart books and reading them cover to cover. They will tell you what key the vehicle uses, if it has a transponder or not, if the code is somewhere on the car and where it is, what cuts are in which locks, what card to use on a 1200, cam and carriage for clippers, depth and spacing of cuts, and multiple ways to originate a key for the vehicle in order from easiest to hardest.

I've done auto for over 20 years and still look at these books on almost every vehicle that I fit a key to.

[MikeTheLocksmith]

If you want to learn how to do automotive, I would suggest buying the Auto Smart books and reading them cover to cover. They will tell you what key the vehicle uses, if it has a transponder or not, if the code is somewhere on the car and where it is, what cuts are in which locks, what card to use on a 1200, cam and carriage for clippers, depth and spacing of cuts, and multiple ways to originate a key for the vehicle in order from easiest to hardest.

I've done auto for over 20 years and still look at these books on almost every vehicle that I fit a key to.

Awesome, thank you for the information. I will have to look into these books. Seriously about 95% of calls I receive are for car key origination. I met a guy through aloa that does car keys, so he ends up with a ton of references lol. I think autos will end up being huge business, so it is my number one plan lol. I will look into those books.


Thanks
Mike

[Laddielock]

As I hadn't seen anyone address your question regarding transponder equipment, I was hoping to help out a bit. When entering into the world of transponder key programming, it can be very difficult to choose the right machine to purchase for your business. There are many options from cloning machines to on-the-vehicle programmers, with even more options once you settle on a type of machine.

The first considerations will need to be the customers you hope to service. Will you be going out to most of the vehicles or will the customers be coming to your storefront? This narrows down your marketplace, since the customers coming in to your store will often already have a key that you can duplicate and then program via a cloner. On the other hand, many customers who need in the field service do not have any existing keys. Another possibility is locksmiths hoping to make key copies for dealerships. Dealers often just need a duplicate made, but do not have the ability to bring the car in to your storefront.

A cloning tool is a great option for those looking to make duplicate keys for their clients. New technology allows you to purchase several key blades without chips, such as the H72-PT R/W Blade, and buy separately the transponder chip. The benefits of this are that many vehicles use the same chip, but use a different blade. Being able to mix and match key blades to the correct chip saves cost. Cloning also has benefits in operating cost. The vehicle does not need to be present to program, the training is minimal, and the turn-around time on programming a key is unmatched.

For some technicians, customers do not have an existing key to cut and clone. These technicians ought to consider the quantity of vehicles they program, as well as the scope of models and years. Programming machines come with two major options; a tool that offers free, downloadable software upgrades and tools that require periodical software upgrades paid for by the machine owner. The catch is that machines with free software upgrades charge the machine owner “tokens” each time the machine is used. An example of this machine would be an Advanced Diagnostics MVP Pro. A machine also made by Advanced Diagnostics is the T-Code. This programmer allows an unlimited amount of uses, but does require the machine owner to purchase individual software packages and updates.

Careful consideration will allow you to choose the correct machine for your use. Taking time to decide the quantity and variety of vehicles you will be going out to service will inform you whether you need a pay per use machine with always updated technology or an unlimited use machine with software and updates that will need to be purchased.