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New Mechanical Key

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by mosesk, Mar 9, 2013.

  1. mosesk

    mosesk Member

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    Location:
    Ventura County, California
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I just got a couple of uncut mechanical keys.
    Should any locksmith, even my local hardware store be able to cut them and copy from the master?
    I have read that Walmart does it as well.
    Not sure it's worth a drive down there.
    But is there any possibility that this can be screwed up?

    Thanks
     
    #1 mosesk, Mar 9, 2013
  2. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    Yup, they can screw it up. I took a mechanical key to the local hardware store where they messed it up. I ended up taking another key to a locksmith, who did a perfect job for $10 (!). Note that you don't have to use the mini key that fits in the keyfob - an ordinary Toyota key works fine, and can cost more like $2. The problem is with clamping the mini key into the machine, and the skill of the operator.
     
    #2 RobH, Mar 10, 2013
  3. mosesk

    mosesk Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I bought a couple of blanks on eBay for about $4 apiece.
    My biggest fear is that they would screw up my one good key.
    I do have the little tag with the code still attached to the FOB.
    Can anyone confirm that Walmart does a good job for very little money?
    Rob- I am curious what you mean by an ordinary Toyota key?
     
    #3 mosesk, Mar 10, 2013
  4. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    Your original key should be safe. It's the accuracy of the copy that can be a problem. When they mess up a copy on one of their blanks, they just try again. When they mess up your $4 blank, you're out $4 even if they charge you zero for the cutting.
     
    #4 RobH, Mar 10, 2013
    mosesk likes this.
  5. mosesk

    mosesk Member

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    Location:
    Ventura County, California
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Is one of their blanks the same size as the ones I bought and will theirs fit in the FOB?
     
    #5 mosesk, Mar 10, 2013
  6. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    2006 Prius
    The $2 copies from hardware stores and the like are full size keys. If you want the kind that fits in a keyfob, you have to get it from a dealer or eBay. I keep several full size keys to hand out when someone else needs access to the car. Then I have a transponder key (works in the ignition) hidden inside the car. The ordinary keys lock/unlock the door, and the transponder key works in the keyslot. Gen2 Prius keyfobs all have transponders in them, which are used when they are plugged into the keyslot. I just extracted one from a keyfob and used it to replace the transponder in a Toyota transponder key.
     
    #6 RobH, Mar 10, 2013
  7. mosesk

    mosesk Member

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    2009 Prius
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    Two
    RobH- well turns out your prescient. Took it to my local hardware store. The very nice guy who cut the key said that their key-cutting machine was the "Cadillac"of cutting machines and he promptly made a key that didn't work.
    He was smart enough to tell me to try it out before I go pay for it
    He was very nice about it and apologetic and I certainly told him not to let it ruin his day.
    It was one of the $4 keys I got on eBay.
    He did comment that the key is a "little thicker" than the keys they usually cut- I assume he's referring to house/regular car keys, etc.
    So now- what's my next step?
    A "real" locksmith?
    Walmart?
    Dealer?

    Thanks
     
    #7 mosesk, Mar 10, 2013
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