Handheld Scanner Can Copy Car Keys Just By Peeking At The Lock

AVANTI R5 · 02-14-2010, 03:36 AM

Key Replicator Here, let me unlock your car for you Alternative Product Solutions

Quote:

Locksmiths and car thieves can both get excited over a new handheld device that electronically maps the inside of car locks and then provides the key code within seconds via USB cable connection to a computer. The key code, matched to the make of the car, allows key-cutting machines to churn out a replacement key. Popular Mechanics reports that the key replication only works for Ford vehicles so far -- news that may leave bemused expressions on the faces of Ford owners.

The Electronic Key Impressioner (EKI) comes with common vehicle keyway inserts, a USB cable, and lock mapping software. That software connects to a database full of updated key codes, which also allows the system to remotely "brick" devices that have fallen into the wrong hands. But car manufacturers may not accept that reassurance, even as the EKI creators hope to expand their device's ability to work with a wider range of cars. Unhappy automakers could render it useless by changing their lock technology completely. Another caveat is that the system mainly works for old-fashioned keys, as opposed to newer car keys that contain transponders. But tools already exist for locksmiths or less savory characters to crack the transponder codes.

Either way, look for this magical key replacement (or Grand Theft Auto) device to come your way late this year.
[Popular Mechanics]

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sgilson · 02-14-2010, 07:09 AM

I can't remember the last time I used a key to get in my car. I'm suprised automakers still have a key mechanism in the door. Ford has had the touch code for quite some time. Should be easy enough to adopt.

eagle98ak · 02-14-2010, 08:46 AM

The key in the door has saved me a couple of times. Get back from a 4-6 month deployment and guess what? Your battery is dead. If the car battery or remote battery are dead then you have to use the key.

GEARHEAD23 · 02-15-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagle98ak

The key in the door has saved me a couple of times. Get back from a 4-6 month deployment and guess what? Your battery is dead. If the car battery or remote battery are dead then you have to use the key.

Redundant Systems FTW

White out · 02-15-2010, 07:19 PM

Nice technology.

Nick

thedaddyb · 02-16-2010, 01:51 PM

I don't know why anybody would be all that excited about this system. Thieves or locksmiths.

If you locked your keys in your car, any decent locksmith can get in without much trouble. If you lost your keys totally, the dealership can cut you a new key off of the vin number.

For a thief it doesn't do much either. Most older cars are easy enough to hotwire, while in a newer car a transponder chip would have to be programmed in for the key to work. You essentially would just make a key that will open the doors but not start the car.

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02-14-2010, 07:09 AM	#2
sgilson Scooby Newbie Member#: 161746 Join Date: Oct 2007	I can't remember the last time I used a key to get in my car. I'm suprised automakers still have a key mechanism in the door. Ford has had the touch code for quite some time. Should be easy enough to adopt.

02-14-2010, 08:46 AM	#3
eagle98ak Scooby Newbie Member#: 49526 Join Date: Nov 2003 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Abilene, TX Vehicle: 2006 VF39 6spd Wgn SGM	The key in the door has saved me a couple of times. Get back from a 4-6 month deployment and guess what? Your battery is dead. If the car battery or remote battery are dead then you have to use the key.

02-15-2010, 07:19 PM	#5
White out Scooby Guru Member#: 46277 Join Date: Oct 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Michigan Vehicle: ** Ring Time of 7:43.5	Nice technology. Nick

02-16-2010, 01:51 PM	#6
thedaddyb Scooby Specialist Member#: 64374 Join Date: Jun 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: 07 WRX SWP *SOLD 03 2.5ts BRP long gone	I don't know why anybody would be all that excited about this system. Thieves or locksmiths. If you locked your keys in your car, any decent locksmith can get in without much trouble. If you lost your keys totally, the dealership can cut you a new key off of the vin number. For a thief it doesn't do much either. Most older cars are easy enough to hotwire, while in a newer car a transponder chip would have to be programmed in for the key to work. You essentially would just make a key that will open the doors but not start the car.