Car Key Replacement in Hamilton

We cut and program replacement keys for most makes, either at your vehicle or at our Glenview base, without a tow to the dealer or a long wait for parts. If your only key has broken at night, or you need the car tomorrow morning, our 24/7 Emergency Callouts mean you don't have to wait for a daytime-only locksmith to open.

Types of car key we replace

• Standard metal keysfor older vehicles, cut to code or copied.

• Transponder (chip) keysthe blade is cut, and the chip is programmed to your car's immobiliser so the engine will start.

• Remote keys and flip keysthe remote buttons are paired to the central locking and the blade is cut to fit.

• Smart and proximity keyskeyless entry and push-button start fobs, programmed to the vehicle with diagnostic equipment.

• Spare keysthe cheapest time to get a spare is while you still have one working key.

Makes we work on

We replace keys for all makes of cars and motorbikes, and anything with a key, including Japanese imports. Some late-model European systems can only be coded by the dealer. If yours is one of them, we'll tell you on the phone rather than waste a trip.

Locksmith or dealer?

A dealer usually needs the car brought in and may order the key from overseas. We bring the cutting machine and programming equipment to the car, so the job is normally done in one visit and the car never leaves your driveway, workplace or roadside. You get upfront pricing for your make, model and year before we start.

Lost every key?

If there's no working key left, the job is different: we create a key from the vehicle itself and remove the lost keys from the immobiliser so they can't start the car. Read more on our lost car keys Hamilton page.

What to have ready when you call

• Make, model and year (the rego plate helps)

• Whether you have a working key or none at all

• Where the vehicle is

• Proof of ownership (registration papers and ID) for when we arrive

Signs your car key needs replacing

Keys rarely fail without warning. Watch for a remote that only works up close or needs several presses, a blade that's bent, cracked or worn smooth, a flip key that won't stay open, a dashboard light saying the key isn't detected, or a car that cranks but won't start. A weak remote battery is an easy fix, but a failing chip or a worn blade usually means a new key is due. Getting it replaced before it fails completely is far less stressful than being stuck in a car park with a car that won't start. If you're unsure, call us and describe what's happening, and we'll tell you honestly whether you need a battery, a repair or a new key.

Broken keys and keys stuck in the ignition

A key that snaps in the door or ignition needs care: forcing it can damage the lock. We extract broken pieces, cut a replacement from the remains or the code, and program it if it has a chip. If the ignition barrel itself is worn and keeps catching, we can repair or rekey it so your new key works smoothly. Snapped keys are common with older Japanese imports and work utes, and it's work our locksmiths do every week across Hamilton and the Waikato, including after hours through our 24/7 Emergency Callouts.

FAQ