mjdavis68

iTrader: (1)

Just wanted to share this with you guys as i am impressed how nice they are...
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Drew

iTrader: (58)

Most locksmiths can get the caps, or the actual GM key blanks. In a pinch you can get the GM key blanks from the dealer too, but from personal experience, parts counter guys don't seem to cut many keys. Best to have a locksmith cut them so they actually work.

Of course on cars as old as ours, it's not unusual for the locks to need work too. Regular maintenance they're supposed to be lubricated (powdered graphite). Depending on which lock and how bad it is, they can be rebuilt sometimes (locksmith) or you can buy replacements, either aftermarket or from the dealer.

Brock Lee

Many chain hardware stores and Wal Marts have computerized key cutting machines. If you slip the person a $10 bill, they will usually cut your blanks you bring in.

However, I have a few cars and they come and go. bought an old key machine off Craigslist for $50. I just buy blanks cheap online and do them at home. Key cutters are not allowed on eBay, so people that have them for sale don't have the option of trying to sell them there. That helps keep the prices down.

88 Z28 Guy

iTrader: (1)

Not trying to bash you about walmart but in personal experience ive had more keys not work from the walmart style computerized key cutting machines. Thats why I always go to my local hardware store where they have the old school, ride along, hand opperated machine.

Drew

iTrader: (58)

I don't have the patience to deal with cut keys that don't work because the pimply faced kid running the machine, didn't know what he was doing. That's why I stopped bothering with hardware stores and the like. The success rate goes up dramatically just by having a real, old school, locksmith make them. It's not that much more expensive, and it saves multiple trips. Not to mention you don't end up with keys that barely work, or feel "notchy". Give it a try, you'll like it.

Brock Lee

I never had a bad key from the computer deals, but I haven't had many made either. Ideally I would prefer to have a dealership make my key. All a locksmith uses is an old simple pantograph that 1:1 cuts a key (I have one of these machines myself). A worn key will affect the replica. The dealership has a tool that literally cuts the key, punches out the "teeth" based off the code required to make that key. What I have had to do to ensure great key cuts, be it on my old machine, or if want to let the kid at Wal Mart do it is bring a master key (those have bailed me out so many times, they are worth having). This way either machine as a fresh, crisp key to copy, dramatically improving the success rate of duplication.