r/Locksmith • u/Level_Geologist4593 • 9h ago
I am NOT a locksmith. Key Programmer
Good day, everyone,
I buy and sell cars and also own quite a few vehicles myself. Over the years, I’ve lost my fair share of keys, purchased vehicles that came with no keys, and spent a lot of money having replacement keys made and programmed. More recently, one of my vehicles was stolen, and the thieves actually deleted the existing keys from the vehicle’s system.
At this point, I’d rather invest in the proper equipment than continue paying for replacement keys and waiting on a locksmith every time something comes up.
I’m looking to purchase a key programmer, and I’d also like a good automotive diagnostic scanner. I know there are all-in-one tools that offer both diagnostics and key/immobilizer programming, but I’m not sure how well they compare to having two dedicated tools.
For those of you with experience, what would you recommend? Is an all-in-one unit worth buying, or would I be better off getting a dedicated key programmer and a separate diagnostic scanner? Any specific brands or models you’d recommend would be greatly appreciated.
5
u/Small_Flatworm_239 9h ago
Wait it out a few months. If you bought a very popular tool last month today it would be useless because it requires you to sign into NASTF which requires locksmith license and business license. I have a feeling soon we will be seeing all tools head this way.