For "jiggle keys", that's excellent results. They are a scam. Your lucky they work that often.
See above
Pick guns don't work on cars. But they will damage them.
Pick sets usually won't work on ignition locks - except the ones specifically designed for a particular lock. Two different ones for GM. Two different ones for Ford. One for (some) Chryslers. And they all go for about $125 - $300 EACH. And then you need to know how to use them (which takes practice). They're not a magic wand.
And what about transponders and VATS keys? Picking will only get them to turn on. It won't start the car.
Deal???? He's only charging you sixty bucks as it is. The cheapest I charge to make keys to a car is about $80 ($45 service charge plus $35 to make the first key) and that's something really simple.
Sixty bucks is okay if _you're_ providing the (*good*) code. ($45 S/C + $15 for a key by code)
the ones that crank, you
You're joking right? It takes the same amount of time to make a key to a car that won't start as it takes to make a key for one that does.
Lemmie ask you this... I assume you tow wrecks for insurance companies. What if they offered to pay you only for the cars that weren't totaled? Even at that, at least you'd have the wreck to sell to a junk yard. What should the locksmith do with the "other keys"? It's not like he can sell them to anyone else.
Well that would save you multiple service charges.
You mean, "eat" the keys that he makes to any car that won't run? Not one that wasn't _desperate_ for work. I certainly wouldn't
What your asking would definitely do it. I don't appreciate it when someone devalues _my_ work.
As I said before, (model for model) it's the same amount of work and takes the same expensive tools and equipment, to make a key for a piece of crap as it does to make a key for a cream puff. The locksmith's time, skill, and investment in the proper tools to perform the work is no less valuable just because the car won't run, is it?
Why not hot-wire the starter to see if it will crank? Of course that won't work on a VATS car, but neither will picking (or jiggle keys) in that case.
If you're just worried about the ones that are seized up, put a socket and breaker-bar on the harmonic balance nut and see if it will turn.
No. You just trying to get him to help absorb _your_ loss.
I'm sure a big part of that sixty bucks is the service charge. Why not have him come out once a month like you said, and just pay him for each key he makes (he is entitled to be paid for any work he does, isn't he) plus one service charge? That should reduce your cost substantially, while still paying the locksmith what he is honesty due.