Automotive Update

Automotive locksmithing in 2025 rarely involves cutting keys, and the locksmith service van is no longer stocked with a zillion types of car-opening tools (though a few are still needed.) These days, vans are stocked with high-tech and expensive transponder programmers, key machines and an inventory of various fobs and remotes.

Locksmith Ledger takes a quick look at some of the new products and, most importantly, some of the training opportunities available to modern automotive locksmiths who are doing more and more programming.

STRATTEC 2025 Key and Fob Identification Chart

STRATTEC released their 2025 Key and Fob Identification chart, a valued annual reference for locksmiths. The chart gives a brief overview of their products covering Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, General Motors, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Toyota, Acura, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Mitsubishi, BMW, Volkswagen, Subaru, Hyundai and more. More than 200 keys and fobs are included.

To download the guides, for more information or to check out STRATTEC’s vehicle match to determine appropriate products depending on the make and model of vehicle, go to https://aftermarket.strattec.com.

Triton and Black Widow Updates

Lock Labs has updated the key code databases for Triton, Triton PLUS, and The Black Widow key cutting machines with feature thousands of new entries and refinements, giving locksmiths the most current, comprehensive, and accurate coverage through 2025. This covers key codes across both automotive AND commercial spaces. All Triton and Black Widow key cutting machines are eligible for this free update.

With expanded key code support through 2026, this software update adds deeper coverage for everything from newer vehicles, all the way down to the tiniest cabinet locks.

Supported Machines:

• Triton [Gen 1]
• Triton PLUS
• The Black Widow [Ver 1]
• The Black Widow Essentials & Deluxe

Key Innovations Locksmith Pro Academy

The Key Innovations Locksmith Pro Academy will offer a series of classes Oct. 10-11 at the Delta Hotels in Mesa, Arizona. Classes include:

• Intro to OEM Software & Key Programming Specialized Series
• Master JLR Key Programming: Hands-On
• Hands-On High Security
• All Things Abrites: Unlocking the Tool’s Full Capabilities
• Motorcycle Key Programming Training: Unlock the World of Two-Wheel Security
• BMW Key Programming: KAS, FEM and Beyond
• Automotive Locksmith Business Ownership Growth and Success
• Automotive Tips & Tricks
• Early Mercedes Key Programming: KR55 and VVDI
• Hands-On Original Lishi Lock Picking
• Tesla Key Programming

More information: https://keyinnovations.com/locksmith-pro-academy/

AKS Auto Locksmith Training Blitz

The American Key Supply 2025 Auto Locksmith Training Blitz is a three-day, 18-course, immersive learning experience, scheduled Sept. 36-28 in Las Vegas. Led by some of the best automotive locksmiths in the industry, participants will receive hands-on training in a multitude of automotive key programming electives, from beginner to advanced levels.

Some of the classes offered during the blitz include:

• Intro to Hands-On Lishi
• Harley Davidson Key Making
• Mercedes Key Programming
• Odis Setup & Key Programming
• BMW CAS ¾ ISTAP, FEM/BDC Key Programming
• BMW BDC 2 Add Key with ACDP

More info: https://www.americankeysupply.com/pages/las-vegas-locksmith-university-lvlu

Motorcycle Locksmithing, Oct. 10-11

This two-day class will illustrate the similarities between motorcycle key generation and other more common locksmith work. We start with building up your keys & inventory, selecting tools & equipment, and covering methods to successfully remaking lost keys for various types of motorcycles. Students will have the opportunity to cut several types of motorcycle keys throughout the class. The main objective is to give locksmiths the knowledge and confidence needed to also work on motorcycles, and overcome the myth that motorcycle work is more difficult than automotive work.

Popular ATVs and UTVs will also be covered.

Advanced registration is required and classes fill quickly.

More info: https://www.americankeysupply.com/pages/las-vegas-locksmith-university-lvlu

VW/Audi/Porsche Key Programming: Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Unlock the secrets behind programming Volkswagen and Audi keys in this comprehensive and hands-on advanced workshop. Delve into the intricacies of modern vehicle key systems and gain a deep understanding of the techniques required to program and reprogram keys for these prestigious automotive brands.

 Course Highlights:

• Introduction to Key Programming: Explore the fundamentals of key programming, including key types, transponders, and communication protocols used in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.
• Vehicle Security Systems: Understand the security mechanisms integrated into Volkswagen and Audi key systems including IMMO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, MQB, and MLB systems.
• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting: Develop skills to diagnose key programming issues, troubleshoot errors, and address common challenges encountered during the programming process.
• Software and Tools: Abrites, Smart Pro, Autel, Auto Pro Pad, Odis.
• Hands-On Practice: Apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on exercises and programming on actual Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.

Case Studies: Analyze real-world scenarios and case studies to understand key programming strategies and decision-making in complex situations.

• Best Practices and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with industry best practices.

Programmers that will be covered (but not limited to):

• VVDI2
• VVDI KEYTOOL LINE
• KEYTOOLPLUS
• IM608 AND 508
• KM100
• AUTOPROPAD G3 AND G2 TURBO
• ZEDFULL
• ODIS

More info and registration: https://www.americankeysupply.com/pages/las-vegas-locksmith-university-lvlu

Save the Date: 2026 Locksmith Pro Expo

Join Key Innovations and UHS Hardware March 4-6, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 Locksmith Pro Expo. Get hands-on training, connect with industry leaders, explore the latest tools and tech, and win thousands in giveaways. Don’t miss this chance to grow your skills, network, and take your locksmith career to the next level!

• 2 Days of Extensive Hands-On Education

• Countless Networking Opportunities

• OneExpo to Score Incredible Deals & Win $1,000s in Prizes

Registration coming soon at https://bit.ly/3CITXfF

UHS Hardware On-Demand Courses

The following recorded, on-demand training sessions can be purchased from UHS Hardware. For more information, visit https://www.uhs-hardware.com/collections/online-education

Auto 101 - Complete Automotive Locksmith Course

This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the Automotive Locksmithing process from start to finish using a variety of key cutting and programming tools like the Xhorse Dolphin XP-005, Xhorse Key Tool Max and KeyTool Plus, Autel IM508, KEYDIY KD-X2, and more.

Automatic Edge-Cut and High-Security Lishi

This self-paced course is made up of a series of lessons designed to familiarize participants with the anatomy and use of edge-cut and high-security Lishi tools.

The course can be completed in 3-4 days but you will have unlimited access to the materials.

Toyota System 2019+ Key Programming With Autel, Lonsdor & Key Tool Plus Course

This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the 2019+ New Toyota System Key Programming on a variety of different models using a few different programming machines. You will be covering adding a key using a dealer code, another key or an emulator in all keys lost situation. 

BMW Key Programming Using Xhorse Key Tool Plus

This class is designed to give a detailed overview of the BMW Key Programming on a wide variety of different models using VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet - All In One Key Tool. You will be covering a few different systems like EWS, CAS, ISN and FEM/BDC. Depending on the model and year BMW you are working on you will run one of these systems. Learning how read them, unlock them and add keys to them whether through soldering or the use of adapters will allow you work on a multitude of models starting from the first EWS System in 1993 to modern CAS 4/4+ today. 

Automotive EEPROM And Advanced Key Programming

This EEPROM course teaches locksmiths key programming and immobilizer bypass for modern vehicles. Through video lectures and demonstrations, students learn to use a wide range of tools and software like the VVDI Key Tool PLUS Tablet, Xhorse VVDI PROG, TANGO, and VVDI Mini PROG to read immobilizer data from vehicle ECUs and program transponder keys.