FAQs
General FAQ's
How can I purchase your products?
Bianchi USA, Inc. sells through the North American locksmith distribution channel. View a list of our key machine distributors.
Where are you located?
We are located in a North Olmsted, Ohio; a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio.
How do I find out more about your company history?
If you want to know more about our company, read up on Bianchi’s history.
Transponder Cloning FAQ's
Which cloning tools does the TK100 work with?
The TK100 is an exciting new chip that works exclusively with the Bianchi 884 Decryptor Ultegra. The TK100 can be used in place of any cloneable key application that currently uses the TK24, TK40 or TK60 chip. 884 owners will need to download a free software update in order to start using the TK100 chips.
I am having trouble cloning a key with the 884 Decryptor Ultegra.
See our Literature section for the 884 Quick-Start Guide which displays key cloning step by step. You can also visit the Troubleshooting section to identify potential error messages and their solutions.
Key Machine FAQ's
Do you have special financing for any of your key machines?
All financing, leasing or special payments must be handled directly with your locksmith distributor.
I lost or can't find my original warranty card for my key machine. How can I submit my product information?
It is important for our technical team to have your product information and serial number for your key cutting machine so we can alert you about new products, updates or recalls. Download our Product Registration Form, complete and fax back to us at 216-803-0202.
How can I receive technical help with a key machine?
You can call Bianchi USA, Inc. at 800-891-2118 and talk to one of the Key Machine Product Managers; we are available Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm EST. You can also e-mail us at info@bianchi1770usa.com with your question, or you can view our YouTube channel for key machine instructional videos .
What is the warranty on your key machines?
Bianchi USA, Inc. warranties non-wear parts for a period of one [1] year from the date of purchase by the original user for all new key machines aside from the Bianchi Laser 994. The Bianchi Laser 994 carries a warranty for a period of three [3] years from the date of purchase by the original user.
What does the warranty cover?
The key machine warranty covers all non-wear parts [i.e. cutters, tracers] and is void if unauthorized operations are carried out or non-original spare parts are used.
What if my key machine is out of warranty and needs service?
Out of warranty repairs will be charged and coordinated directly with the product owner. Contact Bianchi USA, Inc. at 800-891-2118 for current hourly labor rates and cost of replacement parts. The product owner is responsible for all shipping costs related to non-warranty repairs.
Key Blanks FAQ's
What is a non-transponder key?
A non-transponder key is a key without any technology in the head of the key. These keys are made of metal and some also have a plastic head. No programming is needed for these keys; they only need to be cut correctly to fit the lock and ignition in order to start the vehicle.
What material are your non-transponder keys made of?
Our non-transponder keys are made of nickel-plated brass. Nickel-plating extends the shelf life of the key and gives the key a new look for a longer period of time. Some of our non-transponder keys are also offered with a plastic head.
What is a test key?
Our test keys are metal blades that allow the user to “test” cut a key in a lock using an inexpensive blade as opposed to a more expensive key that may need programmed.
What is a VATS key?
VATS stands for Vehicle Anti-Theft System and has a resistor embedded inside the key blade. VATS keys are used exclusively for GM makes & models and each resistor has one of fifteen possible values. Sometimes the resistors are referred to as "pellets" or "chips". These keys do not require a cloning or programming tool, only a reader to determine the resistor value. There are 2 types of VATS keys, single sided and double sided.
What is a Transponder key?
A Transponder key contains a small chip that transmits, receives and responds to data using radio frequency transmissions. When the key is inserted and turned in the ignition it sends a unique code or signal to the car’s on-board computer system. Once the computer identifies the signal as a valid key, it enables the vehicle to start.
What is a cloneable key?
A cloneable key is a replacement key for some automotive transponder keys that has an electronic circuit board or a transponder chip that can be “cloned” with an appropriate transponder cloning tool.
How do cloneable keys work?
After being properly cloned, the transponder chip or circuit board mimics the original transponder by transmitting a unique signal to the vehicles on board computer. This occurs when the key is inserted in the vehicles ignition and turned to the ON position.
What is the benefit of the cloneable key?
Cloneable keys can quickly and easily be cloned with a Bianchi cloning tool. By using a cloneable key, you can eliminate "on-board programming" or the need to have two original keys to add additional keys. You can also add as many keys as needed to the vehicle without having to worry about erasing existing keys programmed to the vehicle.
What is the difference between Bianchi 1-piece and 2-piece cloneable keys?
1-piece cloneable transponder keys are battery-less and do not have an electronic circuit board. They contain only a transponder with no initial value but can have an existing transponder key value written or “cloned” on to the transponder.
2-piece cloneable transponder keys contain an electronic circuit board instead of a transponder. The circuit board mimics a transponder by transmitting a unique code signal to the vehicle’s on-board computer system. Bianchi’s 2-piece cloneable transponder keys feature a head [the part that contains the electronic circuit board] and the blade [horseshoe-style key blade that snaps into the head].
Why do the 2-piece cloneable keys cost more than 1-piece cloneable or standard transponder keys?
The 2-piece cloneable keys have more expensive components inside the key. However, the 2-piece cloneable keys offset the cost by offering more vehicle applications to clone than ever before with just one cloning tool. In addition, the 2 part design allows you to stock a few of each head and a variety of blades, helping to keep your inventory costs down. Simply match the correct head with the appropriate blade and the key is ready to be cloned.
What equipment do I need to use the Bianchi 2-piece cloneable keys?
In order to clone all the available vehicle applications, you will need the Repli-Code 7 TX + Decryptor OR the 884 Decryptor Ultegra and the TK24, TK40, TK60 or TK100 keys. See our cloning tool application charts for the key breakdown and vehicle applications that you can clone.
Are your 2-piece cloneable keys battery-less?
The new TK100 universal head and TK60 head for Philips Crypto are battery-less. The TK24 and TK40 heads use batteries.
How long do the batteries last?
The batteries average approximately 7 years usage.