Capson Key Tech

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about car keys, lockouts, rekeying, our service area, warranty and payment. If your question isn't here, call or text and just ask.

Automotive Residential Commercial Shops & dealers Hours, payment & warranty

Car keys & automotive

Can you make a key if I've lost every key to my car?

Yes. When all keys are lost we need access to the vehicle and documents proving you own it. If you still have a working key and just want a spare, we only need that key and the vehicle.

What do you need from me to make a car key?

It depends on the job. If all keys are lost, we need access to the vehicle and documents proving you own the car. If we're adding an additional key, we only need your current key and the vehicle.

How long does it take to cut and program a car key?

It depends on the vehicle, but plan on 30 minutes to an hour.

Is a locksmith cheaper than the dealership for a car key?

Yes — and a lot more convenient, because we come to you instead of you having to get the vehicle to a dealer.

Do you program key fobs and push-to-start smart keys?

Yes. We cut and program transponder keys, remote head keys, remote fobs, and proximity keys for keyless push-to-start systems.

My key turns but the car won't start. Can you help?

Often that's an immobilizer or key fault rather than a mechanical one. We carry specialized equipment to diagnose immobilizer and key issues.

Can you repair or rekey a worn ignition?

Yes. Ignition repair and rekeying are routine work for us, and we can do it at your vehicle.

My key snapped off in the ignition or door lock. Can you get it out?

Yes. We have specialized training and tools to extract broken keys without damaging the lock.

Should I get a spare key before I lose my only one?

Yes — it is much cheaper to duplicate an existing key than to generate a new one from scratch. If you're down to a single key, that's the moment to get a spare.

Do you work on BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles?

We currently do not offer services for most BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. If you have one, feel free to reach out and we can discuss it.

Do you make keys for motorcycles, RVs, trucks and equipment?

Yes. We're not limited to cars and light trucks — give us a call with the details and we'll confirm what's involved.

Home & residential

Should I rekey my locks or replace them?

Rekeying is faster and cheaper than replacing a lock. If the lock itself is in good shape, rekeying is almost always the right call.

I just moved into a new home. Should I rekey?

Yes. You never know how many copies of the old keys are out there. Rekeying when you move in is one of the smartest things you can do.

Can you get me into my house without damaging the door?

Yes. We open the door without damaging the door or the lock.

How do you confirm I live at the address before letting me in?

Any official document with your name and the address of the house.

Do you install smart locks?

Give us a call and we can discuss the options for your doors.

Can you make all the doors in my house open with one key?

Yes, we can key multiple locks to a single key.

Business & commercial

What is a master key system?

A master key system is a key hierarchy. Each person gets a key that opens only the areas they need, while a master key opens everything. It suits offices, warehouses and multi-tenant buildings where different people need different access.

An employee left and didn't return their keys. What are my options?

Rekeying the affected locks invalidates the old keys immediately and costs far less than replacing hardware. If you're on a master key system, tell us and we'll work out the least disruptive way to do it.

Can you handle multiple locations or scheduled maintenance?

Yes.

Do you service panic bars and exit devices?

Not at the moment.

Shops, dealers & car lots

Do you come to our shop or lot?

Yes. We're fully mobile and work on your lot or in your bay, so the vehicle never has to move.

Can you handle auction cars, repos and trade-ins that arrived with no keys?

Yes. All-keys-lost work is routine for us and we originate keys from scratch.

What's your turnaround for trade work?

Same or next business day.

Can you do module programming and EEPROM bench work?

Yes. When a module has to come out and be read directly we do that too, including EEPROM work — the step most shops have to send away.

What is NASTF VSP and why does it matter?

Capson Key Tech is registered on the National Automotive Service Task Force Vehicle Security Professional Registry. That registration is what lets us obtain key codes and immobilizer programming data directly from the vehicle manufacturer, and holding it requires a background check, state licensing and carried liability insurance.

How do we set up a wholesale account?

Give us a call to discuss it.

Hours, payment & warranty

What areas do you serve, and do you charge for travel?

We cover Idaho Falls, Ammon, Iona, Ucon, Shelley, Rigby, Firth, Ririe, Menan, Roberts, Lewisville, Blackfoot, Pocatello, Chubbuck, Rexburg, Sugar City and St. Anthony, plus the wider Eastern Idaho area on request. There is no travel fee in Idaho Falls, Ammon, Iona or Ucon. Elsewhere, ask and we'll let you know before we head out.

What are your hours? Do you handle after-hours emergencies?

We're open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Outside those hours you can still text or leave a message for emergencies.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We're licensed and insured, and registered on the NASTF Vehicle Security Professional Registry, which requires a background check, state licensing and carried liability insurance.

What payment methods do you take?

Card, cash and Venmo.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes. All electronic keys we supply come with a two-year warranty, and all labor carries a 90-day guarantee.

How do I know you're a legitimate locksmith and not a scam?

Locksmithing has a real problem with bait-and-switch operators, so it's a fair question. We're a real local business in Idaho Falls, licensed and insured, and registered on the NASTF Vehicle Security Professional Registry — a credential that requires a background check, state licensing and carried liability insurance. You get a quote before any work starts.

How do I get a quote?

Call or text (208) 419-7412, email creed@capsonkeytech.com, or send a message through the contact form. Quotes are free and there's no obligation.

Still have a question?

Call or text and just ask — no obligation