Key programming buyers guide
Key programming can be a vital need for many workshops, and can be a make or break service to offer.
For some, a simple spare key solution will work, allowing you to program a new spare key for a client. In other cases, you will need to be able to code a main key – and this is where it starts to get technical. In this guide, we will help you to break down what you need now, and what you may need in the future in order to assist in choosing the perfect tool for all your needs!
Step 1: what do you do?
The first step is to decide what you do in your workshop. This will give you a good idea of where to start looking when it comes to making a shortlist of tools. A few examples of where key programming tools are used:
- Auto locksmiths: The top level key coders. These are the guys who will be regularly needing to make new main keys, as well as spare keys. This means that the tool needed will have to be able to create a new key from scratch in the case of a lost key, or quickly copy a key when you need to make a replacement.
- The all-in-one workshop: The workshop that needs to be able to offer the clients a full service package, from diagnostics to making a new key (spare or main).
- The workshop that goes the extra mile: The mechanic who wants the option to help their customers in-house, rather than outsourcing a profit to someone else.
- The “just in case” mechanic: This is the mechanic who wants the chance to do a spare key if needed, but without focusing on this as one of their main services.
Step 2: What is your budget?
Unlike diagnostic tools, the world of key programming is far smaller. This gives you the option to quickly flesh out a budget, and help make that shortlist a little easier to pick from.
When deciding on your budget though, there are a few main things to keep in mind:
- Will this cut down on the number of tools I need to buy?
- How will this affect my revenue streams?
- Will I continuously need to buy updates to keep using my tool?
Once you have considered these points, you can set yourself a rough budget!
Step 3: What tools fit my needs and my budget?
While the list is smaller than the “pure” diagnostic tool market, there are still quite a number of key programming tools out there. Here is a short list of tools to look at within each category:
- Auto locksmiths:
- Autel IM608
- Autel IM508
- Launch X431 V Pro
- Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max
- The all-in-one workshop:
- Atel IM608
- Autel IM508
- Autel MaxiSys Ultra
- Launch X431 V Pro
- Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max
- The workshop that goes the extra mile:
- Autel IM608
- Autel MaxiSys Ultra
- Autel Autel MaxiSys MS919
- Xhorse VVDI Key Tool Max
- The “just in case” mechanic:
- Autel MaxiSys MS919
- Autel MaxiSys MS909
- Autel MaxiSys MS906BT
The one thing you will very quickly notice is that compared to diagnostic tools, the pricing tends to be a little higher overall for key programming. However, this is due to the extra features offered by most of these tools, as they are a lot more specialised than a standard diagnostic tool. In some cases, the key programming tools are in fact diagnostic tools too!
Overall, the biggest thing to look at when investing in a new key programming tool is the benefits that it will bring to you. It may seem like a daunting purchase at first – but don’t think of it like that, rather look at it like a new addition to your team, making you work even more efficiently than you could have before!
