Any experience with "key replacement" companies?

Hi - I have a 2007 Tundra TRD and a bad habit of locking my keys in the truck. Yes, I've bought a hide-a-key trailer hitch thing. However, on the rare occasion I've needed to tow something I remove that, forget to put it back in, and then lock both the main and the spare in the truck again. I could use a new brain. The nearest dealer is more than an hour away and taking a half-day to go get keys made isn't very appealing.

Meanwhile, I've seen ads online for companies (ex. Tom's Key Company, Car Key Express, Keyless Entry Remote, etc.) that offer to sell you a key and help you get it programmed. It seems that Tom's, for example, will rent you the programming device.

Has anyone used any of these services? Does this method work?

 

I recently had a new Honda key made by Toms, it came with the programing tool and was easy to use. Worked out well. Key was cut from photographs of original key.

 

I used Toms for my Tundra and got ripped off. I tried the key photo deal and key was wrong and programmer would not work. No refund as they said they never received the stuff back. Customer service would take 2-3 days for a reply. Ended up using local locksmith for the same price.

 

I've used lowes for a key replacement. As well as a minute key kiosk at a bed bath and beyond. Both have had keys made in minutes before, pun intended.

Anyhow, get yourself a magnetic key lock box and store it on your frame of the truck. Use it when needed, but also return it to its stored space for future use again.

Or stop smoking whatever it is that's preventing this from happening again.

 

But those non programed keys and will only unlock the door. I need a programmed second key and those cost way to much from a dealer.

 

If you're a bit of a techie, buy Techstream from Amazon. You can use it to program a replacement blank. A locksmith did the physical cutting for $5.

12volt.solutions sells a remote starter kit that works with a phone or watch app. That's a good way to unlock your truck if your keys are locked inside.

 

They are programmed keys.

think it's was like 70-80 bucks though. Tech stream is the way for sure. But other options exist outside of the dealers.

 

Welcome from OKC! Maybe you should just keep the extra key on a loop around your neck.

 

Lowes can program them? Last time I checked the only place I was able to get a programmed key was from the dealer. Interesting.

 

So...I went to the Amazon link you posted and couldn't find the programmer. But I ended up buying the Autogine interior light kit for 25 bucks.

Just wanna say thanks for making me spend money. LMAO

 

Oh sorry the forum added a generic link. Here's a Techstream:

https://amzn.to/49GCi3t

I think this is my key but check compatibility with your truck: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1843467584...EiERqs-QJm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

I didn't know either, but I walked past their key making station one day and saw keys labeled for Toyota. Then I tracked down a blue vest and asked him to cut me a key. He puts my key into his machine and the machine spits out a part number that he finds on his wall. Bam, does everything the factory keys does. He didn't have my wife's key in stock so I did hers at the key kiosk in a bed bath and beyond. They didn't have it in stock either but did mail me one within 3/4 days.

 

Cool. I need to check into that. Now I just need to find another remote FOB for it also.

 

I purchased a remote on ebay and found a locksmith who specialized in car keys. He cut the key and programed the remote for about 75.00. Call around your local area and you will probably find someone.

 

Stream tech. Fobs and keys all in the program software.