One of my fobs had pretty worn buttons so I decided to swap for a cheap one from the bay. One of those where you swap the electronics over and get the blade cut. A whole £3.28 delivered.

Did the electronics swap, no problem and off to the key cutter. 3 goes and it still wouldn't turn and was also tight to get in.

So what can be done?

Swap the blade from the original.

Use a different cutter

Buy a better quality key (any links) They do seem to vary a lot in price.

It's the 3 button fob from 2006. 2017 5.0 Autobiography Supercharged
2005 Merc SL350
2005 Disco HSE 2.7 oil burner

Will the blade swap? If so thats the quick easy answer... If not, for only a couple of quid, i would order another and take it to another shop to have it cut... We have had them cut at a local Timpson’s shop...

Thanks Craig.

I did think about swapping the blade but they appear to be permanent. Also tinkered with the idea of cutting the old blade off and welding the original back on. Decided it might be a bit hot for the plastic casing.

Then I thought about swapping the buttons but they seem to be too well fixed as well.

Looks like I'll have to buy a new key and get it cut elsewhere although the cutter is an old traditional cobbler that I've used for donkey's years and always been trusted.

I can actually buy a LR original with all the electronics for £29.99. I would guess that would have a decent quality metal blade. 2017 5.0 Autobiography Supercharged
2005 Merc SL350
2005 Disco HSE 2.7 oil burner

I bought a branded copy case like yourself after checking the blade swap was possible as some are not. I then just took the thing apart(not easy) and swapped the lot, on both my keys.

All work just fine and look great. Many thanks
Paul

I did the same as you, new key was a bit "grabby" when it went in but it did turn

I polished the blade with autosol and a buffing wheel and now its fine.

@V8Noise

From another forum (Not FFRR) with the replacement keys, such as you have, it is recommended to get it cut "Backwards" (BY NOT USING THE "SHOULDERS" to align the keys in the cutting machine Tell the Cutter to align the keys "TIP TO TIP" & FORGET the Shoulders etc).

The reason being that the replacement blades tend to be too short and cutting them as above overcomes that.

HTH

@ CTC
I understand that Timsons will only cut keys they supply. Don't know how correct that is. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue - SOLD
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT-Sold

try lube-ing it with some pencil lead. (graphite) rub one on some medium sandpaper, and tip onto a bit of folded paper, sprinkle onto the key, but first, rub the key with a bit of spit, to get it to stick. get it into the key grooves

Weegie wrote:

@ CTC
I understand that Timsons will only cut keys they supply. Don't know how correct that is.

I enquired at Timpsons a little while ago and they said the same as they've had trouble with them snapping in the ignition barrel.  Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

I used keys by post who cut a new blade from a photo of my original after two different cutters (one of which that was recommended) failed to cut my flip keys and the cut was great. Have used them on my BMW as well sending them the blank and again key worked no problem. I have kept one original key so I dont have to give the flip key to the garage, valet parking etc and used a set of replacement buttons from ebay and has lasted over a year . There is a difference between knowing your sh!t and knowing you're sh!t

2005 Registered 2006 MY 4.4 AJV8 Range Rover Vogue

I sent my key blank that I bought from Daveo to Express Auto Keys in Orpington.

http://expressautokeys.co.uk

They can cut the blank just working from a decent photograph of your old key. I opted to send my key to them just incase of any issues as I didn't need it when I had it done.

Think it cost about 12 quid including return postage by recorded delivery.

I'd use them again in a heartbeat.

If your old key is scruffy, it sounds like the perfect time to upgrade to a flip key! Details are in the group buy section

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior
2013 Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE Black Edition in Santorini Black with Ebony Interior