I think I got ripped on key cutting

[got3fords]

So after hearing how easy it was to program a third key, I bought a cheap fob on Ebay. I also read it was pretty reasonable to get it cut. So I went to my local key and lock place (not many around here for some reason) and they charged me $50 just to cut it. They guy said something about having to use the laser cutter, but it only took about 8 minutes. At least he walked out to the truck to make sure it worked.
I actually programmed it myself, took about 20 seconds.
How much are people paying just for the key cutting?

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[airline tech]

I think 50.00 is actually cheap, just a quick Google search for Laser Cutting 50-150 dollars.
It takes a VIN # and a special license to obtain then Laser Cutting Code required to cut the key blade.

 

[got3fords]

I think 50.00 is actually cheap, just a quick Google search for Laser Cutting 50-150 dollars.
It takes a VIN # and a special license to obtain then Laser Cutting Code required to cut the key blade.

I have seen posts of people getting them cut for as low as $10. They didn't ask for my VIN either.

 

[JasonTremor]

$50 sounds reasonable to me. Could have been more. Most key shops won't even entertain cutting a key purchased from a different seller. If they used your existing key for the pattern, they would not need the vin#.

 

[got3fords]

Most key shops won't even entertain cutting a key purchased from a different seller.

Didn't think of that, but they probably would have charged me way more for the fob than what I paid on Ebay.

 

[JasonTremor]

Didn't think of that, but they probably would have charged me way more for the fob than what I paid on Ebay.

The Ford flip keys aren't that bad, but can vary wildly depending on the shop. Last one I had made as a spare was $150 by a mobile locksmith. They supplied the key, cut it and did the programming steps using the steps you used. I did meet them at a dealership where they were doing work so they didnt have to travel to me.

 

[MountainGoat]

I thought you needed a guy on the inside to get those laser cut keys? They're sent directly to the US from Hamburg. Need a guy like James Lakewood. Served a nickel at Folsom for auto insurance fraud.

And even then the Mercedes were dirty! Had surveillance vans all over them.

 

[got3fords]

The Ford flip keys aren't that bad, but can vary wildly depending on the shop. Last one I had made as a spare was $150 by a mobile locksmith. They supplied the key, cut it and did the programming steps using the steps you used. I did meet them at a dealership where they were doing work so they didnt have to travel to me.

Wow, now I don't feel so bad!

 

[got3fords]

I thought you needed a guy on the inside to get those laser cut keys? They're sent directly to the US from Hamburg. Need a guy like James Lakewood. Served a nickel at Folsom for auto insurance fraud.

And even then the Mercedes were dirty! Had surveillance vans all over them.

I am sure this is funny, somehow.

 

[JasonTremor]

I thought it was reasonable at the time for an oem ford key. Now seeing what's available on Amazon and eBay makes what I paid seem high.

 

[Glocker]

$50 isn't the best price ever, but it doesn't sound horrible either. When I was working at a Ford dealership, it was well over $300 out the door for the key, the cutting, and the programming, and it wouldn't take all that much time.

 

[MountainGoat]

I am sure this is funny, somehow.

James Lakewood was dirty. They got to em. Maybe it's time for us to start thinking about how to get these young kids out of town...cause if there's no Ford Rangers, there's no point in boosting any other cars.

 

[OrangeStreak]

$50 is reasonable. A guy who does keys for my Dealer cut a key for me on a Ford blank...$50.00 for the blank and the cut. I like it because it is small and not bulky but has a chip in it...not a valet key. Figured it would be best to get a chip key for a spare back-up key. Got a Flash Drive case on Amazon (and inserted the key into it) and attached it to a set of house keys which I carry in addition to the original Ranger flip-key in case I lose it.

 

[got3fords]

$50 is reasonable. A guy who does keys for my Dealer cut a key for me on a Ford blank...$50.00 for the blank and the cut. I like it because it is small and not bulky but has a chip in it...not a valet key. Figured it would be best to get a chip key for a spare back-up key. Got a Flash Drive case on Amazon (and inserted the key into it) and attached it to a set of house keys which I carry in addition to the original Ranger Fob key in case I lose it.

You can start the truck with that little key? Pretty cool, do you have part#?

 

[OrangeStreak]

You can start the truck with that little key? Pretty cool, do you have part#?

James,
Yep, this key starts the truck and is a substitute for the original Ranger key except you have to unlock and lock the doors with it manually rather than using the unlock and lock buttons on the Ranger Fob. Don't have the part # but called the key guy and left a message for him to call me back with it. So will forward it to you if he responds.

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