https://www.openlearning.com/u/bangworkman-sleycr/blog/TheAdvancedGuideToCarKeysCutAndProgrammed Car Key Cutting and Programming Near Me If your car key is chipped, but not connected to a fob, it can be duplicated in a box or store. This is especially applicable to older keys. Most hardware stores don't have the equipment required to program the new key. A lot of people end up at the dealership or in a lock. Key Cutting Key cutting is a standard service that's offered at most locksmiths and hardware stores. It is the process of making a clone from an original key. This can be accomplished by different methods, based on the type of key you're hoping to have duplicated. Standard Yale keys, for instance require less than one minute to cut. Mortice keys or levers are also known as "Chubb" can take up to 5 minutes to cut. Keys that are safe, with a bigger shanks and more grooves on the key can also take longer. For the majority of modern car keys, key cutting isn't enough. The keys are equipped with transponder chips which must be programmed to connect with your vehicle's computer system. This extra step is not accomplished by cutting keys, but requires a more advanced toolkit. If you take your current car key into a store that offers key cutting services, an associate will select the correct key blank for your year and make. Then, a machine will trace the original key's contours to accurately form the new key. After the key has been shaped to match your car's key, it's ready to use. The quality of the key you produce will depend on the type of machine you use to cut the key, as well as the skills of the person who operates it. A cheap or poorly designed machine could cause your key to break or wear quickly. If the person is inexperienced or not knowledgeable, they might not know how to operate or set up the machine properly. This could lead you to make errors that could cost you time or money in the end. To avoid this ensure you go to an expert. A reputable hardware or