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Introduction

When it comes to ace hardware car keys made, many car owners are seeking a reliable, cost-effective option for key replacement. If you’re in Charleston, South Carolina, especially around James Island and Folly Beach, Lowcountry Ace Hardware offers a great solution. Here’s why you should head to Ace Hardware for your car key needs:

  • Affordable: Save up to 60% compared to dealership prices.
  • Convenient: No appointment needed; most keys are made and programmed in minutes.
  • Comprehensive: Services available for both traditional keys and modern car key fobs.

With the helpful team at Lowcountry Ace and the broad selection of keys for brands like Dodge, GMC, and Subaru, you get both quality and peace of mind.

Key Replacement Process Infographic - ace hardware car keys made infographic roadmap-5-steps

Why Choose Ace Hardware for Your Car Key Needs?

Variety of Options

Ace Hardware offers a wide range of car keys to fit nearly any make and model. From traditional keys to modern key fobs, you’ll find what you need. Whether you drive a Dodge, GMC, Hyundai, Subaru, or Kia, Ace has you covered.

Expert Programming

Programming car keys, especially those with transponder chips, can be tricky. The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace is skilled in programming ChipKeys and key fobs. This ensures your new key will work seamlessly with your vehicle.

“Our ChipKey duplication services are often much less expensive than getting one from your dealership,” says the helpful team at Lowcountry Ace.

Affordable Solutions

Cost is a big factor when it comes to replacing car keys. At Ace, you can save up to 60% compared to dealership prices. This makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious car owners.

Types of Keys Available

  • Traditional Keys: Made from steel, brass, or a mix of nickel and brass, these are simple to duplicate.
  • Car Key Fobs: Equipped with an internal transmitter, these are essential for keyless entry systems.
  • Laser-Cut Keys: Thicker shanks and built-in transponder chips make these keys more secure.
  • ChipKeys: Anti-theft keys with embedded computer chips that match your vehicle’s code.

Quick Service

Time is valuable. Ace Hardware offers fast service, with basic keys cut in minutes and more complex key fobs programmed in under an hour.

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“Basic keys can be duplicated in just a few minutes, and more complex key fob replacements can often be completed within an hour,” states the team at Lowcountry Ace.

With these benefits, it’s clear why Ace Hardware is a top choice for car key needs.

Types of Car Keys Made at Ace Hardware

Car Key Fobs

Car key fobs are a staple for many modern vehicles, offering convenience through keyless entry systems. These fobs are equipped with an internal transmitter that communicates with your car, allowing you to lock, unlock, and sometimes even start your vehicle remotely. At Ace Hardware, our skilled team can replace and program these fobs for a variety of car makes and models. The process involves syncing the transmitter with your vehicle, ensuring it responds correctly to your commands.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are mostly found in older vehicle models. These keys are straightforward and do not require specialized encoding. They are typically made from steel, brass, or a combination of nickel and brass. The simplicity of traditional keys makes them inexpensive and quick to duplicate. At Ace Hardware, we use high-quality key blanks to ensure durability and reliability.

Laser-Cut Keys

Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys, are more sophisticated. They feature thicker shanks and have fewer carved-out grooves compared to traditional keys. These keys are cut using precise laser technology, making them more secure and harder to duplicate. Many laser-cut keys also come with transponder chips that need to be programmed to your specific vehicle. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only your key can start your car.

ChipKeys

ChipKeys are a type of anti-theft key that contains an embedded computer chip in the plastic head. This chip has a unique code that matches the code in your vehicle’s computer system. When you insert your ChipKey into the ignition, your car reads the code and starts the engine. This technology significantly reduces the risk of theft. At Ace Hardware, we offer ChipKey duplication services that are often much cheaper than those at dealerships, providing you with a secure and cost-effective solution.

By offering a wide range of car key types, Ace Hardware ensures that you can find the perfect replacement or duplicate for your vehicle. Whether you need a simple traditional key or a complex ChipKey, our team is equipped to handle your needs efficiently and affordably.

The Car Key Replacement Process at Ace Hardware

Getting a car key replacement at Ace Hardware is a straightforward process, designed to save you time and money. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how it works:

Key Duplication

For traditional car keys, the duplication process is quick and simple. A specialized key duplicator machine is used to create an exact copy of your original key. The original key is placed on one side of the machine, while a blank key is positioned on the opposite side. Both keys move simultaneously across the machine, ensuring a perfect match.

key duplication - ace hardware car keys made

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Programming

For modern car keys like key fobs and ChipKeys, the process involves programming. These keys have unique transponder chips that communicate with your vehicle’s onboard computer. The helpful team at Lowcountry Ace will program the new key to ensure it works seamlessly with your car. This process can take up to an hour, but it’s much faster and cheaper than going to a dealership.

“Most keys can be programmed in minutes, and there’s no additional cost for programming,” says a representative from Lowcountry Ace.

Car Finder Tool

Ace Hardware offers a convenient car finder tool to help you identify the best replacement key for your vehicle. Simply enter your car’s make, model, and year, and the tool will guide you to the right key.

Store Locator

With over 2,700 participating Ace stores, finding a location near you is easy. Use the store locator tool to find your nearest Ace Hardware. Many of these stores offer the KeyStart automotive key program, ensuring you get dealership-quality keys at a fraction of the cost.

store locator - ace hardware car keys made

By making the car key replacement process easy and accessible, Ace Hardware ensures you never have to worry about being locked out of your vehicle. Whether you need a quick key duplication or a complex programming service, Ace Hardware has you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ace Hardware Car Keys Made

Do they copy keys at Ace Hardware?

Yes, Ace Hardware does copy keys. They offer a wide variety of key blanks, including those for house keys, padlock keys, motorcycle keys, and automotive keys. At Lowcountry Ace, the helpful team ensures that all keys are duplicated accurately, guaranteeing they work or your money back.

How long does it take for Ace to make a key?

The time it takes to make a key at Ace Hardware varies based on the type of key. Traditional keys can usually be cut in just a few minutes. This quick process involves using a key duplicator machine to create an exact match from the original key.

For more complex keys like car key fobs, the process can take up to an hour. This is because these keys often include unique transponder chips that need to be programmed to match your specific vehicle.

Does Ace Hardware make keys with chips in them?

Absolutely. Ace Hardware makes ChipKeys, which are anti-theft automotive keys containing an embedded computer chip. This chip has a unique code that matches your vehicle’s computer, adding an extra layer of security.

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In addition to ChipKeys, Ace Hardware also offers services for laser-cut keys and car key fobs. For these advanced keys, programming is often required, which the team at Lowcountry Ace can handle efficiently.

Whether you need a key for your car, motorcycle, or home, Ace Hardware is equipped to meet your needs with precision and speed.

Conclusion

When it comes to quality and savings, Lowcountry Ace Hardware stands out as your go-to destination for car key replacements. With our extensive range of services, including ChipKeys, laser-cut keys, and car key fobs, we ensure you get a high-quality product that meets your specific needs.

Quality is our top priority. Our keys are guaranteed to work, or you get your money back. We use advanced technology to ensure precision in key cutting and programming, which means fewer hassles and more peace of mind for you.

But that’s not all. Choosing us can save you up to 60% compared to dealership prices. Why pay more when you can get the same quality and reliability at a fraction of the cost?

At Lowcountry Ace, we’re more than just a hardware store. We are part of your community, committed to providing excellent service and supporting you in keeping your vehicle secure and functional.

Ready to get started? Visit our service page to learn more about how we can assist you with your automotive key needs. Together, we’ve got this!

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Carrie Hegenderfer
15:07 10 Apr 25
This Ace Hardware store is not really close to my house but I came here after having a poor experience at the Johns Island Ace. I was greeted by friendly employees upon entry and throughout my experience, asked if I needed help, the store atmosphere was cheerful and in organized condition, and they had absolutely no problem exchanging an item purchased at another Ace Hardware for a few other items from their store. I even spent extra money in store. I will drive the extra mileage to come to this store moving forward.
Response from the owner 16:10 10 Apr 25
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Carrie! We’re delighted to hear that our friendly staff and cheerful atmosphere made your visit worthwhile, and that we could help with your item exchange. We’re here to serve the Charleston community with quality and dedication, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Lowcountry Ace Hardware for your future needs!
Anita Praytor
14:14 26 Mar 25
Visited Sunday afternoon 3/23/25. Always a pleasure to browse and shop at this Ace store. A man, Steve, around 4-430 totally helped me in the name of Customer Service. He cut chain for me that isn't sold separately for a hanging basket. Bigger, he followed me to checkout with a bag of soil weighing a ton. Steve insisted I bring my SUV parked in far-away Publix Land so he could lift it out of cart into my SUV. Wouldn't budge on who was moving the soil into the SUV! Thank you again, Steve! Anita
Response from the owner 15:45 14 Apr 25
Thank you, Anita, for sharing your delightful experience with us! We’re so glad to hear that Steve went above and beyond to assist you with cutting chain and helping with your bag of soil. At Lowcountry Ace Hardware, our team is always dedicated to making your visit as pleasant as possible. If you ever need further assistance, don’t hesitate to come back and see us!
Stephen Houmard
19:45 23 Jan 25
GREAT SERVICE! The older guys know everything!
Good Bye Lowes!
Response from the owner 20:00 23 Jan 25
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review, Stephen! We're delighted to hear you received great service and that our experienced team could assist you. We're grateful for the opportunity to be your go-to hardware store in Charleston, and we look forward to helping you with any future projects!
Billy Erickson
22:34 26 Nov 24
All the employees I encountered were so helpful and friendly. The store is very clean.
Response from the owner 15:45 14 Apr 25
Thank you so much for your positive feedback, Billy! We’re so glad to hear that our helpful and friendly team, along with our clean store environment, made your visit enjoyable. Thank you for choosing Lowcountry Ace Hardware, and we look forward to assisting you with any of your future needs!
Pedro Jesus
19:33 07 Aug 24
Response from the owner 17:00 13 Aug 24
Thank you for the review, Pedro! We're glad to see you had a good experience. If there's anything we can do to make your next visit even better, please let us know.
Lauren Carter
18:39 11 Jul 24
Thad is the man— he saw our look of confusion in the paint aisle, immediately offered help, and even mixed the paint for us. So impressed by his customer service, we’ll definitely be back in the future!
Response from the owner 17:00 13 Aug 24
Thank you so much for the kind words, Lauren! We're thrilled to hear that Thad could assist you and make your experience enjoyable. We look forward to serving you again soon!
Brad Flaig
16:27 06 Jul 24
We love Ace! So helpful to not have to compete against the beach traffic or the Lowe’s traffic. This store is brand new, everyone is so helpful and the location is convenient
Response from the owner 20:00 09 Jul 24
Thanks for the wonderful review, Brad! We're thrilled to hear that you find our location convenient and enjoy our helpful staff. We look forward to serving you again!
Restora
16:11 08 Apr 24
Lovely! Has everything I always need and great customer service.
Response from the owner 15:10 28 May 24
Thank you so much for your kind words, Restora! We're delighted to hear you found everything you needed and enjoyed our customer service. Looking forward to helping you again!
Warren Weber
12:20 01 Apr 24
Nice selection of merchandise, people are friendly, reasonable prices
Response from the owner 15:10 28 May 24
Thank you for the great review, Warren! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our selection, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Looking forward to seeing you again at Lowcountry Ace Hardware!
Kat T
16:43 29 Mar 24
Frank approached is within seconds of entering into the plumbing aisle, he carried us throughout the store, getting the correct fittings to put us back in business. Thanks Frank!.
Response from the owner 15:10 28 May 24
Thank you for the awesome review, Kat! We’re thrilled to hear that Frank was able to assist you so effectively and get everything you needed. We appreciate your kind words!
Rhonda Jones
21:27 27 Mar 24
Steve Thad ,and Renee the customer service person were awesome and assisted me so much with my DIY project.If you want great advice and truly kind helpful staff please give them a chance to be of assistance. All the staff there were warm,friendly, and helpful. Thanks so much I appreciate ? yall.
Joshua Johnson
12:48 14 Oct 23
Manager wouldn’t return money to my credit card despite having the same card and rewards number (no receipt), so gift card only. I was told “I’d have to look it up in the computer, it’s tedious”

After talking to other customers, I learned it’s routine to return with same credit card or rewards account.
C D
20:58 30 Mar 23
This location is the best. They are attentive and professional and always aim to please. We ordered a grill from them which was delivered quickly. There was a slight defect and they immediately rectified the situation and went above and beyond on multiple aspects of the transaction. Everyone from the GM to the delivery guys and everyone in between are always so great. We will continue to give them our business ?!
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